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No.  Case, 
No.  Shelf,  ^ 
No.  BooL      ^o; 


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The  John  .11.  Krebs  Donation. 


/077r 

V'/S 


JAMES   BTUIXERD    TAYLOR. 


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V'Ojb.    ^^^ 


MEMOIR 


OP 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR. 


BY      ' 
JOHN    HOLT    RICE,    D.  D. 

AND 

BENJAMIN   HOLT   RICE,  D.  D. 


SECOND  STEREOTYPE  EDITION, 
RBTISED  UNBER  THE  SANCTION  OF  THE  SURVIVINO  COMPILER. 


PUBLISHED  BY 

THE    AMERICAN    TRACT    SOCIETT, 
160  NASSAU-STREET,  KEW-YORK. 

D.  Fiinshaw,  Priotcr. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1833,  by 
Knowles  Taylor,  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Cottrt 
of  the  Southern  District  of  New- York. 

Right  of  publiBhing  transferred  to  American  Tract  Societf . 


CHAPTER  tL;^:^'' 


EARLY    LIFE,  TILL   COMMENCING   STUDY. 

Birth,  childhood,  and  early  youth — enters  a  store  in  New- 
York — conversion — labors  in  Sabbath  School — eflforts  for 
good  of  others — sees  a  Missionary  sail  for  India — contem- 
plates preparing  for  the  Ministry— consults  his  parents- 
decision  to  consecrate  himself  to  this  work— correspond- 
ence with  friends  on  the  subject— determines  on  a  tho- 
rough course  of  preparation 


CHAPTER  II. 

FIRST  TWO   YEARS  IN  ACADEMY. 

Temptations  resisted— exposure  to  sudden  death — descrip- 
tion of  the  school — anticipations  of  the  ministry — daily 
study  of  the  Bible— establishes  a  weekly  prayer-meeting, 
connected  with  a  Bible  Class— Bible  Class  of  Young  La- 
dies in  Lawrenceville— labors  "from  house  to  house  "—ef- 
forts for  the  salvation  of  his  parents  and  relatives— la- 
ments his  sinfulness— topics  for  meditation  and  day  of 


CONTENTS. 

thanksgiving— New  Vear'f  lett«r  to  his  parents — effort* 
for  other  relatives— letter  to  his  mother — to  a  friend  pre- 
paring for  the  ministry— obligation  to  present  usefulness 
— accompanies  Major  Ridge  to  Cornwall — letter  to  an 
aged  clergyman— to  his  parents,  35 


CHAPTER    Hi. 

COMPLETION  OF  HIS  COURSE  IN  THB  ACABBHT. 

Aspirations  for  increase  of  holiness — letter  of  acknowledg- 
ment from  Major  Ridge— letter  from  one  brought  to 
Christ  by  his  fidelity— his  view  of  qualifications  for  the 
ministry— special  refreshing  from  the  Holy  Ghost,  April 
23,  1822— increase  of  spirituality— desires  to  enter  the 
ministy  immediately,  but  resolves  on  a  course  of  tho- 
rough preparation— letters  to  christian  friends  urging  a 
high  standard  of  holiness — Memoir  of  Parsons — New 
Year's  letter  to  his  parents — Death  of  the  Compiler,  and 
continuation  by  another  hand— bright  anticipations  of 
heaven— letters  to  an  aged  Clergyman — Savor  of  Christ 
in  all  his  correspondence — great  joy  in  God— letters  to  a 
lady  in  affliction— Journal— warning  of  danger  of  wealth 
and  luxury— letter  to  an  aged  colored  woman — steadfast 
anticipations  of  the  ministry — great  spiritual  joys — let- 
ters and  journal— closes  his  studies  in  the  Academy— 
visits  to  friends  and  abundant  labors,  74 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    IV. 


FIKST    YEAR  IN   COLLEGE. 


Temptations  and  trials  of  a  College  life— pants  for  spiritual 
converse— letter  to  a  family— day  of  fasting— letter, 
"Looking  unto  Jesus" — refreshing  visit  at  Lawrence* 
ville— New  Year's  letter  to  his  parents— efforts  to  rouse 
others  to  duty— letter  to  a  brother — humiliation  and  joy 
in  God— letter  to  afflicted  relatives— to  a  lady  apparently 
near  death— faithfulness  to  an  individual— blessing  on  his 
labors  in  vacation— holy  joys— college  honors— abundant 
and  successful  labors  in  revivals  in  Connecticut  in  vaca- 
tion—journal and  letters,  1 63 


CHAPTER    V. 

SECOND  YEAR  IN  COLLEGE. 

Labors  in  connection  with  the  Pastor  of  a  Church  in  New- 
York— letter  of  warning  to  a  friend— freedom  from  secta 
rianism— to  an  aged  colored  woman — New  Year's  letter 
to  his  parents— to  a  Cousin— to  a  Female  Friend — Diary 
—to  a  Young  Christian— Diary — requested  to  aid  a  neigh- 
boring clergyman— forgoes  visit  to  his  friends,  and  spends 
vacation  in  a  revival— success  of  his  labors— letter  to  the 
Young  Converts— to  a  young  Lady— death  of  Summer- 
field-to  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  240 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    VI. 


LAST   TEAR  IN  COLLEGE. 


Letter  to  a  Lady  in  feeble  health— to  a  sister  apparently 
near  death— letters  to  relatives— accused  by  a  fellow  stu- 
dent—New Year's  letter  to  his  parents— to  an  aged  cler- 
gyman—to a  Christian  friend  and  family— to  a  candidate 
for  the  ministry— Diary — entire  surrender  to  God— re- 
solves to  labor  for  salvation  of  the  students  individually 
—his  gentleness— letter  to  a  brother  preparing  for  the 
ministry— Diary— fear  of  sin— love  of  the  Bible— benefit 
of  crosses— to  his  brother,  an  officer  in  the  church— close 
of  his  college  course,  307 


CHAPTER    Vn. 

IN  THE    THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY. 

Want  of  health— joins  the  Theological  Seminary- to  a  fa- 
mily at  Princeton— to  a  Clergyman  who  had  bled  at  the 
lungs— to  his  mother— labors  in  revivals  of  religion  in 
Connecticut— conversion  of  his  friend  L.  P.— labors  in  re- 
ligious meetings— Bible  Class— success— bleeds  at  the 
lungs— submission— aspirations  for  heaven— conversation 
with  a  friend  in  view  of  his  illness— to  a  brother,  and  a  fe- 
male friend— New  Year's  letters,  354 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    VIII. 


VISITS  AT  THE  SOUTH— SICKNESS— DEATH—CONCLUSIOK. 

Voyage  to  Charleston,  S.  C— journies  at  the  South— let- 
ters respecting  his  health— Divine  consolations— return 
to  New- York  and  Middle  Haddam— licensed  to  preach 
the  Gospel— letters  to  friends— Diary— embarks  for 
Prince  Edward,  Va.— letters  to  friends— gradual  decline 
—death— letters  describing  the  closing  scene— letters 
received  by  the  Compilers— Conclusion,  I 


^^IW 


TOii 


Early  Life,  till  commencing  Study. 

James  Brainerd  Taylor,  son  of  Col.  Jeremiah 
Taylor,  of  Middle-Haddam,  Connecticut,  was  born  on 
the  15th  of  April,  1801.  His  parents  were  in  the  com- 
munion of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and 
greatly  respected  in  the  circle  of  their  acquaintance. 
On  the  mother's  side,  he  was  connected  with  the  family 
of  Brainerd,  a  name  to  be  held  in  remembrance  as  lung 
as  the  devoted  zeal  of  the  self-denying  missionary 
shall  be  had  in  honor.  On  the  father's  side,  an  old 
record  traces  up  the  lineage  to  a  branch  of  the  family 
of  Jeremy  Taylor.  But,  while  no  wise  man  ever  un- 
dervalued the  benefits  of  being  born  of  worthy  parents, 
no  one  of  right  spirit  ever  relied  on  this  providential 
circumstance  to  bear  him  on  through  life.  Our  cha- 
racter depends  on  ourselves.  So  thought  James  B. 
Taylor.  And  while  he  honored  and  revered  his  pa- 
rents with  the  truest  filial  affection,  he  went  forth  with 
the  spirit  of  genuine  independence  to  make  his  own 
way  in  the  world. 

Of  his  very  early  youth,  the  affection  of  friends  has 
preserved  many  recollections  of  deep  interest.  He  was 
particularly  distinguished  by  an  affectionate  vivacity, 
which  greatly  endeared  him  to  his  relatives,  and  made 
him  a  general  favorite  in  the  circle  in  which  he  moved. 


10  MEMOIR   OF 

The  first  deep  religious  impressions  on  his  mind 
were  ma-de  by  an  elder  brother,  who,  while  on  a  visit 
to  his  father,  took  occasion,  after  family  worship,  to 
make  some  observations  on  a  portion  of  Scripture,  and 
to  apply  them  to  the  state  of  those  around  him  who 
were  out  of  Christ.  He  was  aflfected  even  to  tears ; 
and,  for  the  first  time  in  his  life,  went  on  his  knees  in 
secret  prayer.  The  feelings,  however,  which  had 
been  thus  awakened,  were  almost  entirely  suppressed, 
in  a  way  not  at  all  unusual.  James  had  been  exceed- 
ingly devoted  to  the  gayelies  of  life,  and  was  particu- 
larly fond  of  dancing.  Just  about  this  time  he  was 
prevailed  on  by  some  young  companions  to  go  to  a 
party  formed  for  this  purpose  in  the  neighborhood. 
The  result  was  the  loss  of  his  seriousness,  and  the 
commission  of  sins  of  which  he  never  before  had 
been  guilty.  No  one  ever  resists  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
suppresses  the  convictions  of  his  own  heart,  without 
a  great  increase  of  sinfulness. 

In  this  state  of  mind  he  was  placed  as  a  clerk  in  the 
store  of  a  merchant  in  New-York.  Two  brothers, 
both  older  than  himself,  watched  over  him  with  all 
the  solicitude  of  fraternal  affection ;  and  thus  he  was 
preserved  from  the  paths  of  that  destroyer  which 
lurks  in  all  our  large  cities,  and  takes  in  her  snares  so 
many  of  our  most  hopeful  young  men. 

James  attended  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  John 
B.  Romeyn,  pastor  of  the  church  then  in  Cedar-street, 
New-York ;  and  there,  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  publicly 
professed  his  faith  in  Christ,  and  joined  in  commemo- 
rating his  dying  love. 

i    Nothing  in  the  history  of  his  religious  experience, 
at  this  time,  shows  it  to  have  been  very  remarkable. 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  11 

It  appears,  however,  that  as  soon  as  he  felt  the  trans- 
forming power  of  religious  truth,  he  manifested  a  de- 
cided disposition  to  active  benevolence,  and  readily- 
engaged  in  such  labors  of  love  as  a  young  man  in  his 
situation  could  perform.  His  letters  also  show  a  great 
concern  for  his  younger  brothers  and  sisters  at  home. 
Writing  to  a  sister  in  the  year  1815,  he  says  :  "  Tell 
the  dear  little  brothers  and  sisters  the  state  of  their 
hearts  ;  give  them  all  the  instruction  you  can  as  to 
their  future  welfare ;  and  O  may  the  Lord  draw  them  by 
the  cords  of  his  everlasting  love,  and  let  his  Spirit  and 
blessing  rest  on  them."  In  another  letter  written  to  the 
same  relative,  he  gives  this  solemn  exhortation :  "  M — , 
as  you  are  the  oldest  child  of  our  dear  parents,  now  at 
home,  do  instruct  our  dear  little  brothers  and  sisters, 
and  urge  them  to  seek  the  salvation  of  their  souls — 
for  it  is  your  duty." 

It  appears,  indeed,  that  afterwards  he  had  a  very  low 
opinion  of  his  religious  attainments  at  this  time.  Yet 
his  correspondence  was  almost  entirely  on  the  subject 
of  religion,  frequently  indicating  a  deep  sense  of  obli- 
gation ;  and,  though  he  was  obliged  during  the  whole 
week  to  perform  the  laborious  services  of  a  merchant's 
clerk  in  a  place  of  great  commercial  activity,  he  en- 
gaged with  great  alacrity  as  a  teacher  in  the  Sabbath 
school ;  and  his  letters  breathe  a  deep  solicitude  in  be- 
half of  the  children  committed  to  his  care.  i 

The  compiler  of  this  little  work  gladly  takes  this 
opportunity  of  recording  the  very  valuable  services  ren- 
dered to  the  community  by  many  young  men  in  simi- 
lar situations.  And  they  deserve  the  higher  approba- 
tion on  account  of  the  peculiarly  disadvantageous  cir- 
cumstances in  which  they  are  placed.     Little  do  pa- 


12  MEMOIR   OF 

rents  think  to  what  danger  they  expose  their  sons 
when  they  send  them  to  a  merchant's  counting-house 
in  a  large  city.  Removed  from  all  the  sacred  influences 
of  domestic  life,  and  surrounded  by  ten  thousand  temp- 
tations, they  usually  have  no  society  but  that  of  lads 
in  their  own  situation.  With  but  little  previous  edu- 
cation, and  of  course  few  mental  resources,  it  is  not 
so  much  wondered  at,  as  deplored,  that  when  the  busi- 
ness of  the  day  is  over,  they  should  seek  relaxation 
and  amusement  in  those  places  near  which  the  destroy- 
er is  always  lurking ;  and  that  often,  before  their  time 
of  service  is  expired,  they  should  have  acquired  habits 
of  dissipation,  and  a  love  of  pleasure,  too  strong  for 
their  principles  of  honor  and  morality.  Nor  is  it  sur- 
prising that,  in  many  cases,  the  interests  of  the  em- 
ployer should  greatly  suffer  from  the  profligateness  of 
his  clerks. 

Surely  the  value  of  religion  cannot  be  too  highly 
appreciated,  when  it  is  sufficient  to  preserve  the  young, 
amidst  all  other  temptations,  from  debasing  pleasures 
and  extravagant  amusements.    Of  the  strength  of  this 
principle  of  action  there  is  very  strong  evidence  af- 
forded by  the  Sabbath  schools  of  our  cities.    While 
thousands,  an  the  Lord's  day,  are  pouring  out  through 
every  avenue,  under  the  pretence  that  their  health  re- 
quires a  ride  or  a  walk  into  the  country  ;  and  while  every 
tavern  and  tipling  shop  in  the  vicinity  is  swarming  with 
numbers,  high  in  revelry  and  riot,  there  are  hundreds 
of  young  people,  of  both  sexes,  who  need  amusement 
and  relaxation  as  much  as  any  others,  and  who  seek 
and  find  it  in  the  delightful  exercise  of  a  most  benefi- 
cial charity.    They  meet  the  children  of  the  poor ;  they 
even  go  among  the  outcasts  of  society,  and  take  up 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  13 

the  neglected,  and  speak  words  of  kindness  to  them, 
and  teach  them  to  read  the  precepts  of  the  purest  mo- 
rality, and  cause  them  to  hear  the  lessons  of  heavenly 
wisdom.  Thus,  with  every  right  feeling  of  the  human 
heart  greatly  strengthened  and  refreshed  by  the  con- 
sciousness of  voluntary  efforts  to  do  good,  they  re- 
return  to  the  labors  of  the  week,  more  happy  in  them- 
selves, and  more  deserving  of  the  confidence  of  others 
than  ever.  If  the  gratitude  of  the  community  has  no 
civic  crown  to  reward  such  services,  there  is  One,  who 
will  hereafter  bestow  the  meed  of  approbation,  when 
he  shall  say,  "  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants, 
enter  into  the  joy  of  your  Lord." 

In  employments  of  this  beneficial  character  James 
B.  Taylor  took  great  delight ;  and  the  peculiar  kind- 
ness of  his  disposition  induced  him  to  engage  in  teach- 
ing the  people  of  color,  of  whom  there  are  very  consi- 
derable numbers  in  New-York,  and  who  have  been 
greatly  neglected  in  all  the  efforts  to  do  good  which 
had  preceded  the  establishment  of  Sabbath  schools. 
"  I  am  engaged,"  said  he,  in  a  letter  to  one  of  his 
sisters,  dated  April  5,  1818,  "in  a  Sunday  school — a 
pleasing  task  indeed  !  I  have  in  my  class  eight,  be- 
tween the  ages  of  19  and  40.  Some  of  them  learn,  du- 
ring the  week,  to  recite,  on  Sunday,  one,  two  and  three 
chapters  in  the  Bible.  We  have  in  our  school  about 
seventy  regular  attendants,  between  16  and  72  years 
of  age.  O  how  that  race  has  been  neglected  !  But 
I  trust  that  the  time  has  come  for  them  to  know  more 
of  their  Creator.  There  have  been  many  converts,  and 
some,  both  teachers  and  scholars,  have  connected 
themselves  with  the  church,  who  ascribe  their  convic- 
tions to  the  influence  of  Sunday  schools.    We  expect 

2  J-  B.  Taylor. 


14  MEMOIR   OF 

a  great  day  at  the  anniversary.  We  shall  probably 
meet  in  the  Park,  with  all  the  children,  about  five 
thousand.  These  children,  or  most  of  them,  were 
once,  I  may  say,  vagabonds,  wandering  about  the 
streets,  and  committing  the  worst  of  crimes."  Such 
were  the  first  openings  of  a  christian  character,  which 
afterwards  rose  to  great  eminence,  and  shone  out 
with  exceeding  lustre.  In  the  present  day,  opportunities 
of  doing  good  are  so  brought  home  to  every  individual, 
that  if  any  one  is  contented  with  the  determination  to 
go  to  heaven  by  himself,  and  let  others  alone,  he  pro- 
bably needs  no  other  evidence  to  prove  that  he  is  not  a 
Christian  at  all. 

In  letters  to  his  friends,  James  B.  Taylor,  by  sta- 
ting facts  showing  the  great  usefulness  of  Sabbath 
schools,  and  by  earnest  exhortations,  urged  them  to 
set  up  similar  institutions  in  their  neighborhoods.  In 
every  way  he  endeavored,  when  a  youth  of  only  six- 
teen, to  be  the  cause  of  good  to  others. 

When  young  men  are  sent  from  the  country  to  a  large 
city,  and  become  engaged  in  its  business  and  pleasures, 
they  generally  are  weaned  from  home  j  and  its  simple 
pleasures  are  regarded  with  contempt.  This  is  one  of 
the  truest  signs  of  corruption ;  and  is  an  omen  too  sure, 
of  the  ruin  which  is  soon  to  follow.  If  religion  is  not 
the  only,  it  is  certainly  the  best  preservative  from  evils 
of  this  kind.  Under  its  influence,  James  B.  Taylor 
maintained  all  the  simplicity  of  his  character,  and  re- 
tained all  his  love  of  home,  his  filial  and  fraternal  af- 
fection, in  full  vigor.  Under  date  of  Nov.  15,  1818,  he 
writes : 

"  It  would  give  me  great  pleasure  to  receive  a  letter 
from  my  kind  mother.    I  can  never  repay  your  good- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  15 

ness  to  me  in  my  younger  days.  But  I  hope  that  He  who 
alone  can  give  happiness,  will  reward  you  a  hundred 
fold.  I  never  can,  and  I  never  would  erase  from  my 
memory  the  kind  admonitions  which  I  have  received 
from  your  lips.  I  never  can  sufficiently  thank  the  Lord 
that  my  parents  have  been  so  good  to  me.  And  it  is 
impossible  for  me  to  express  how  much  I  love  and  es- 
teem you.  For  this  also  I  desire  to  be  thankful.  I  es- 
teem it  a  great  blessing." 

In  many  other  letters  addressed  to  his  parents,  simi- 
lar sentiments  are  expressed  in  similar  language.  And 
the  same  strong  natural  affection  was  ever  shown  to- 
wards his  brothers  and  sisters.  But  religion  is  the 
great  subject  of  every  letter ;  and  the  most  intense  de- 
sire that  the  whole  family  might  become  disciples  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  partakers  of  his  salvation,  is  mani- 
fested in  every  page. 

In  his  correspondence,  as  carried  on  from  year  to 
year,  there  are  clear  indications  of  a  growth  of  reli- 
gious feeling,  and  increased  consistency  of  religious 
character  ;  giving  promise  that  one  so  devoted  in  early 
life  would  be  employed  by  the  Head  of  the  church  in 
some  remarkable  way  for  the  advancement  of  his  cause. 

He  was  now  pleasantly  situated  as  a  merchant's 
clerk,  with  a  kind-hearted,  pious  man,  whom  he  great- 
ly loved.  His  prospects  were  entirely  favorable.  But 
before  the  close  of  1819,  he  determined  to  abandon  his 
pursuits,  renounce  his  hopes  of  becoming  rich,  and  de- 
vote himself  to  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel.  The  pro- 
vidence of  God  was  plainly  in  this  whole  affair. 

A  physician  in  New-York,  in  full  practice,  and  with 
a  rising  reputation,  had  determined  to  "  leave  all,"  and 


16  MEMOIR  OF 

go  with  his  family  as  a  missionary  to  the  East  Indies* 
His  departure  from  the  city  excited  great  interest. 
James  was  engaged  in  his  ordinary  business,  when  a 
young  christian  friend,  on  passing  his  door,  called, 
and  asked  him  to  accompany  him  to  the  wharf,  "  to 
see  Dr.  Scudder  off."  The  invitation  was  readily  ac- 
cepted. The  scene  and  the  eflfect  produced  may  be 
told  in  his  own  words  : 

''  New-York,  May  24,  1819. 
"  This  morning  I  witnessed  a  scene  highly  interest- 
mg  to  the  heart  of  a  Christian.  It  caused  thanksgiv- 
ing and  praise  to  rise  from  my  heart,  and  tears  to  flow 
from  my  eyes.  I  saw  a  missionary  and  his  wife  take 
their  departure  from  this  port  for  India,  to  declare 
among  the  heathen  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ. 
How  pleasing  is  it  to  see  the  Lord,  from  time  to  time, 
raising  up  one  and  another  to  make  known  his  truth 
to  the  children  of  men,  and  sending  them  to  those  whc 
have  never  heard  the  voice  of  mercy,  have  never  been 
told  of  a  Savior  from  sin,  nor  of  a  way  of  escape  from 
the  wrath  to  come.  Let  us  rejoice  in  what  he  has 
done,  is  doing  now,  and  has  promised  to  do  in  time  to 
come,  for  his  church.  On  looking  back  thirty  years, 
there  were  no  Bible,  no  Missionary,  no  Tract  Societies, 
nor  Sabbath  Schools.  But  now,  we  see  them  nil, 
and  hear  of  their  happy  results.  We  also  see  socie- 
ties for  the  education  of  pious  youth  for  the  ministry, 
who,  I  trust,  will  prove  a  blessing  to  millions  yet  un- 
born. Christians,  at  this  time,  seem  to  be  exerting 
themselves  for  the  cause  of  Zion ;  and  while  one  min- 
ister is  going  among  foreign  pagans,  another  is  taking 
his  station  among  the  Indians. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  17 

"  This,  I  think,  is  not  '  a  day  of  small  things.'  Yet 
much  remains  to  be  done.  And  all  the  followers  of 
Christ  ought  to  be  more  concerned  and  engaged  for  a 
'  world  which  lieth  in  wickedness.'  We  must  also 
be  more  careful  about  our  own  growth  in  grace,  and 
advancement  in  the  divine  life.  For  it  would  be  a 
poor  charity  to  neglect  our  own  salvation  in  securing 
that  of  others. 

"  The  missionary  who  has  just  left  us,  was  former- 
ly a  physician  in  this  city.  This  circumstance  will  be 
of  great  advantage,  for  he  will  be  able  to  administer 
to  the  diseases  of  the  body  as  well  as  the  mind.  It 
may  be  said  of  him  and  his  wife,  that  they  have  left 
all,  and  followed  their  Savior.  They  counted  not  the 
blessings  of  home,  and  friends,  or  even  their  own  lives, 
dear  unto  themselves,  that  they  might  '  win  Christ,' 
and  win  others  to  him. 

"  I  had  the  pleasure  of  being  introduced  to  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Scudder.  He  appeared  cheerful ;  Mrs.  Scudder 
was  bathed  in  tears,  but  yet  rejoicing.  They  were  sur- 
rounded by  many  acquaintances  and  friends  ;  and  we 
can  with  difficulty  imagine  their  feelings  when,  just 
about  to  leave  home,  and  country,  and  all  the  blessings 
of  Christian  society,  they  heard  one  and  another  say, 

*  my  friend,  my  sister,  farewell,  for  ever !'  Just  as  the 
steamboat  was  moving  off,  one  of  the  Doctor's  friends, 
who  came  too  late  to  go  on  board,  called  out  and  bade 
him  adieu,  wishing  him  a  pleasant  passage.  I  shall 
never  forget  Dr.  Scudder's  looks,  or  his  words.  As  he 
spoke,  his  eye  kindled,  and  his  cheek  glowed  with  the 
ardor  of  christian  benevolence.  He  waved  his  hand, 
and  with  a  benignant  smile  on  his  countenance,  said, 

*  Only  give  me  your  prayers,  and  that  is  all  I  ask.' 

2* 


18  MEMOIR   OP 

"He  is  now  gone — gone  never  to  see  his  friends 
again  in  this  world  : — 

*  Go,  messenger,  and  bear 
'  Upon  thy  gentle  wing, 
The  song  which  seraphs  love  to  hear, 
'And  angels  joy  to  sing.' 

"  I  have  felt,  since  this  morning,  as  though  I  would 
be  willing  to  forsake  my  ever-dear  father  ^d  mother, 
brothers  and  sisters,  and  country,  for  my  Savior's  sake 
and  the  Gospel's.  I  have  also  thought,  perhaps  my  pre- 
sent business  is  not  to  be  my  future  employ.  Yes,  the 
Lord  may  have  in  reserve  for  me,  unworthy  as  I  am,  a 
situation  far  dififerent  from  my  present  one.  May  I 
ever  be  led  in  the  path  of  duty,  this  has  been  my  pray- 
er this  day :  and  I  have,  more  than  at  any  former  time, 
felt  the  importance  of  crying,  '  Lord,  make  me  to  know 
my  duty,  and  give  me  a  heart  to  perform  it.'  Yes,  my 
Lord  does  know  all  my  desires,  and  hears  all  my 
sighs." 

Again  he  writes : 

"  On  seeing  Dr.  Scudder  take  his  last  leave  of  his 
friends,  and  of  the  people  on  shore,  with  a  true  mis- 
sionary spirit,  I  felt  a  tenderness  towards  the  poor 
heathen,  to  whom  he  was  going,  which  caused  my 
eyes  to  overflow.  I  thought  that  I  would  be  willing 
to  change  my  situation  for  his.  On  returning  home, 
I  felt  that  I  could  not  attend  to  business.  My  de- 
sire was  to  spend  that  day  with  the  Lord.  I  retired 
for  piayer,  and  found  the  exercise  sweet.  My  mind 
was  impressed  with  the  necessity  for  more  ministers 
of  the  Gospel ;  and  many  reasons  presented  them- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  19 

selves,  why  I  should  devote  my  life  to  the  good  of  my 
fellow-men  in  that  situation." 

The  desire,  which  was  thus  awakened,  grew  in 
strength.  But  no  hasty  resolution  was  taken.  He  con- 
sulted with  those  in  whose  judgment  he  confided  ;  and 
with  that  warm  filial  affection  and  reverence  which 
characterized  him,  asked  counsel  of  his  parents  : 

"  New-York,  May,  1819. 
"Will  it  not  give  you  pleasure  to  hear  of  my  desir- 
ing to  enter  on  a  course  of  study  for  the  ministry  of 
reconciliation?  Yes,  my  dear  father,  I  have  been  led, 
within  the  course  of  a  few  weeks  past,  to  think  serious- 
ly on  this  subject.  When  I  turn  my  eyes  to  the  exten- 
sive fields  which  are  presented  to  my  view,  they  seem 
to  be  '  white  unto  the  harvest.'  The  language  of  Scrip- 
ture is  surely  applicable  to  the  present  time, — '  The 
harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  laborers  are  few.'  The 
calls  of  Providence  are  loud  to  young  men  to  de- 
vote themselves  to  the  ministry.  And  to  whom  can 
the  Church  look  but  to  her  sons  for  this  service  ?  The 
population  of  this  country  is  growing  very  rapidly,  and 
the  proportion  of  its  increase  is  much  beyond  that  of 
the  faithful  ministers  of  the  Gospel.  The  call  of  des- 
titute churches  in  different  parts  of  our  country  is, 
'  Come  over  and  help  ns.'  The  voice  of  the  Indians 
on  our  borders  is,  '  Come  and  make  known  to  us  the 
Savior,  that  we  perish  not.'  The  superstition  and  idol- 
atry of  the  heathen,  beyond  the  seas,  urge  us  to  go 
and  preach  the  Gospel,  and  proclaim  to  them  the  glad 
tidings  of  salvation.  When  we  think  of  the  Hindoos, 
who  offer  their  own  children  in  sacrifice  to  appease 
their  offended  gods :  whose  worship  is  a  worse  than 


80  MEMOIR   OP 

useless  superstition  ;  who,  on  going  down  to  the 
grave,  have  no  Savior  on  whom  to  repose,  and  no  hope 
of  awaking  to  a  happier  life  to  come, — how  can  we 
help  feeling  for  them  !  Surely  every  benevolent  heart 
longs  for  their  salvation.  The  heathen  are  promised 
to  Christ  for' his  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts 
of  the  earth  for  his  possession.  To  whom  can  they 
look  but  to  us  who  are  Christians  ?  And  does  not 
God  require  us  to  be  co-workers  with  him  in  the  exe- 
cution of  his  grand  designs  ?  Means  always  have  been, 
and  probably  always  will  be  used  by  the  Lord,  for 
evangelizing  the  nations.  There  is  a  want  of  faith- 
ful ministers  throughout  the  world. 

"  Now,  when  I  reflect  on  the  goodness  and  mercy 
of  the  Lord  towards  our  family,  in  bringing  the  chil- 
dren, as  they  grow  up,  to  be  acquainted  with  his  ways, 
and  to  become  his  professed  followers,  it  seems  to  me 
as  though  some  of  the  number  were  called  to  devote 
themselves  to  him  in  the  work  of  the  ministry.  We 
have  been  brought  to  profess  his  name  at  an  early  age. 
May  God  make  known  to  us  the  path  of  duty,  and 
give  us  a  heart  to  walk  therein. 

"  He  who  enters  on  this  great  work  ought  to  weigh 
the  matter  well,  knowing  that  many  go  without  being 
called.  In  leaving  my  present  business  to  engage  in 
the  ministry,  I  do  not  expect  more  ease  or  worldly 
comfort.  Far  from  it!  The  life  of  a  minister,  who  is 
faithful  to  his  Master,  to  himself,  and  to  those  around 
him,  is  not  only  laborious,  but  full  of  trials.  Yet,  do- 
ing good  to  the  souls  of  men,  and  glorifying  God,  is 
more  than  double  compensation  for  all  the  hardships 
and  crosses  which  the  devoted  servant  of  Christ  is 
subjected  to.     Very  erroneous  views  are  entertained 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  21 

by  many  respecting  the  life  of  a  minister.  It  has  been 
supposed  that  it  is  easy.  But  the  most  arduous  labors 
of  a  clergyman  are  not  visible  to  the  world.  They 
are  performed  in  his  study.  Let  people  follow  him  to 
that  place,  and  see  him  praying,  reading,  examining, 
composing — they  will  then  have  very  different  thoughts. 
But  only  they  who  have  entered  on  this  course  know 
all  the  bitter  and  the  sweet  connected  with  it.  The 
responsibility  which  presses  on  the  mind  of  a  truly 
conscientious  minister  is  probably  more  trying  than 
any  other  species  of  care  and  anxiety.  Self-denial  is 
also  necessary  in  a  minister,  as  indeed  it  is  in  all 
Christians.  It  is  the  very  foundation  of  all  active  re- 
ligion. Without  it  nothing  can  be  done  to  purpose  in 
the  great  work  of  reforming  the  world — this  world  that 
lieth  in  sin. 

"  Do  you  ask  me  whether  I  am  willing  to  leave  my 
present  business?  It  would  indeed  be  a  cross  to  leave 

Mr.  H ,  for  he  is  one  of  the  best  of  men.  Some  may 

think,  if  they  do  not  say,  that  I  am  a  fool  for  wishing  to 
give  up  my  present  employment,whichbids  fair  to  make 
me  rich,  and  which  is  far  more  honorable  in  the  sight 
of  the  world.  To  this  I  can  reply,  and  I  do  think  from 
the  heart,  that  I  am  willing  to  give  up  my  present  si- 
tuation, with  all  its  prospects,  for  one  in  which  I  think 
that  I  can  be  more  useful.  As  for  the  riches  of  this 
world,  I  do  not  expect  to  JEind  happiness  in  them ;  and  the 
more  I  think  on  the  condition  of  tlie  '  christian  poor, 
who  do  not  want,'  the  more  I  am  convinced  that  they 
enjoy  higher  happiness  than  those  who  share  largely 
in  the  good  things  of  the  present  life.  The  cottages 
of  humble  Christians  are  more  honorable  than  the  pa- 
laces of  the  rich,  where  there  is  no  fear  nor  love  of 


22  MEMOIR  OP 

God  The  language  of  my  heart  is,  Lord,  whatever 
may  be  denied  to  me — health,  friends,  and  comforts  of 
this  life — let  me  never  be  denied  the  light  of  thy  coun- 
tenance, and  thy  loving  kindness. 

'•  The  number  of  ministers  necessary  adequately  to 
supply  the  United  States,  is  estimated  at  more  than 
11,000.  There  is  thought  to  be  at  present  less  than 
one-fourth  of  that  number.  What  is  wanting  to  en- 
courage one  to  engage  in  this  all-interesting  service  ? 
"Why  should  not  the  call  for  more  laborers  be  heard 
by  me  ?  Surely,  if  I  have  been  called  from  '  darkness 
to  light,'- it  should  be  my  chief  aim  and  desire  to  point 
out  the  way  c«f  salvation  to  others. 

"  But  sometimes  my  heart  shrinks  when  I  think  of 
entering  on  this  service.  I  have  so  much  to  go  through 
before  I  can  appear  in  the  pulpit;  and  then  to  come 
before  the  world — I  am  terrified  by  the  anticipation. 

"I  have  now  stated  my  feelings,  and  submit  the 
same  for  your  consideration.  I  hope  that  they  may 
meet  your  views,  and  receive  your  approbation.  I 
doubt  not  that  they  will.  My  desire  is  to  leave  all, 
and  become  an  ambassador  for  Christ.  Of  the  dif- 
ficulties in  my  way,  the  most  prominent  at  present  is 
the  want  of  funds.  I  wish  you  to  inform  me  whether 
you  feel  able  and  willing  to  support  me  through  my 
course  of  study. 

"  Should  I  enter  on  the  work  of  the  ministry,  there 
are  these  promises  to  comfort  and  sustain  me.  Luke^ 
12  :  42,  '  Who  is  that  faithful  and  wise  servant,  whom 
his  Lord  shall  make  ruler  over  his  household,  to  give 
theni  their  meat  in  due  season  V  Ver.  43,  '  Blessed  is 
that  servant,  whom  his  Lord,  when  he  cometh,  shall 
find  so  doing.'     Matt.  28  :  20,  ^  Teaching  them  to  ob- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  23 

serve  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you ; 
and  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world.'  Dan.  12  :  3,  '  And  they  that  be  wise  shall 
shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament;  and  they 
that  turn  many  to  righteousness,  as  the  stars  for  ever 
and  ever.  Luke,  21  :  15,  '  I  will  give  you  a  mouth  and 
wisdom  whicli  all  your  adversaries  shall  not  be  able 
to  gainsay  or  resist.' 

"  I  can  say  no  more  at  present.  My  heart  is  open 
before  the  Lord,  and  I  wait  the  direction  of  his  provi- 
dence. Please  to  give  me  an  early  reply,  and  state  your 
views  on  the  subject.  There  can  be  no  objection  on 
account  of  my  age.  Of  my  natural  talents  I  wish  you 
to  be  judge. 

"  Your  affectionate  son,  James." 

After  receiving  an  answer  to  this  letter,  he  conti- 
nued for  some  time  in  the  employment  of  Mr.  H , 

faithfully  discharging  his  duty  as  a  clerk,  and  endea- 
voring in  his  place  to  do  good. 

During  the  summer  of  1819,  New-York  was  visited 
with  the  yellow  fever.  It  was  a  time  of  great  alarm. 
But  this  served  only  to  show  the  strength  and  steadi- 
ness of  his  religious  principles.  While  engaged  in 
duty,  he  appeared  to  have  no  fears  or  anxieties  for 
himself.     To  his  parents  he  writes  thus  : 

"  New-  York,  September  10,  1819. 
"  Probably  you  have  by  this  time  heard  of  the  yel- 
low fever  in  New-York,  and  given  yourselves  some 
anxiety  about  your  children  here.  The  fever  has  not 
yet  spread.,  much,  and  it  is  remote  from  us.  At  present 
there  is  not  much  occasion  to  be  alarmed. 


24  MEMOIR    OP 

"  You  have  this  one  thing,  my  dear  parents,  to  com- 
fort you.  Your  children  here  have  an  interest  in  the  Sa- 
vior, at  whose  command  are  all  the  diseases  to  which 
we  are  subject.  They  can  proceed  as  far  as  he  wills, 
and  no  farther.  How  can  we  be  thankful  enough  to 
him,  who  has  called  us  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  ! 
As  the  Lord  has  sustained  us  in  times  past,  let  us  trust 
him  for  that  which  is  to  come.  This  seems  to  be  my 
language  : — '  Lord,  I  would  trust  thee  :  I  desire  to  be 
willing  to  submit  to  the  ordering  of  thy  providence, 
whether  it  send  sickness  or  health,  life  or  death ;  for  I 
know  that  all  things  shall  work  together  for  my  good." 

Through  the  agency  of  his  beloved  pastor,  the  way 
was  soon  opened  for  him  to  enter  on  studies  prepara- 
tory to  the  ministry  in  the  academy  at  Lawrenceville, 
N.  J.,  in  view  of  which  he  thus  gives  utterance  to  his 
full  heart  in  letters  to  his  parents  and  friends  : 

"JSTew-York,  November  16,  1819. 
"My  dearly  beloved  Father  and  Mother, 

"  I  begin  my  letter  in  the  language  of  the  Psalmist — 
'  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ;  and  all  that  is  within  me, 
bless  his  holy  name.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and 
forget  not  all  his  benefits.'  It  may  be  truly  said,  that  the 
ways  of  the  Lord  are  not  as  our  ways,  nor  his  thoughts 
as  our  thoughts  ;  and  that  his  dealings  with  his  chil- 
dren are  often  very  different  from  their  expectations. 
Thus  my  heavenly  Father  has  dealt  with  me,  his  dis- 
obedient and  unworthy  child,  in  opening  the  way  that 
I  may  be  prepared  to  preach  the  everlasting  Gospel. 
Yes,  my  dear  parents,  I  have  concluded  to  leave  my 
present  employment,  to  prepare  for  the  ministry.  This 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  25 

determination  has  met  with  the  approbation  of  all  my 
friends  here,  as  far  as  I  have  communicated  it  to  them. 
Mr.  H.  my  employer,  on  learning  the  circumstances 
of  the  case,  and  my  wishes,  instead  of  making  a  single 
objection,  immediately  said,  go !  and  added,  that  he 
should  rejoice  in  it,  if  I  were  called  to  that  work.  He 
also  lamented  that,  in  the  present  great  want  of  faith- 
ful laborers  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  so  few  young 
men  were  inclined  to  devote  themselves  to  the  service 
of  Christ  in  the  church.  Was  not  this  favorable?  My 
brother,  (to  whom  I  am  under  many  obligations,  and 
whom  I  love  both  as  a  brother  in  the  flesh  and  in  the 
Lord,)  on  hearing  my  statements,  said  that  he  saw  no 
objections  to  my  going,  and  that  as  to  what  I  owed,  it 
should  raise  no  difficulty,  for  he  would  take  care  of 
that. 

"  In  view  of  these  circumstances,  I  am  constrained 
to  adore  and  praise  a  gracious  Providence,  and  to  ask, 
what  is  there  now  to  hinder  my  going  forward  ?  I  can 
see  nothing.  I  do  not  desire  the  office  on  account  of 
worldly  praise  or  honor,  but,  as  I  hope,  for  the  glory 
of  God,  connected  with  the  salvation  of  my  fellow- 
men. 

"  My  heart  at  times  rejoices  in  the  prospect  of  being 
Useful  to  my  fellow-sinners,  and  at  times  it  shrinks 
back  from  the  many  difficulties  which  rise  to  my  view. 
The  life  of  a  faithful  minister  (and  such  may  I  be,  if 
admitted  to  the  office)  appears  to  me  to  be  more  glo- 
rious than  any  other.  He  is  prompted  by  true  benevo- 
lence ;  he  labors  not  to  destroy  men's  souls,  but  to  save 
them.  He  is  engaged  in  a  cause  which  must  prosper, 
for  Christ  is  the  head.  He  shall  receive  a  reward  ac- 
cordmg  to  Christ's  promise. 

3  J.  B.  Taylor. 


26  MEMOIR   OF 

"  The  land  is  greatly  destitute  of  devoted  and  able 
ministers.  The  harvest  truly  is  great,  and  the  laborers 
are  few.  My  heart  is  turned  towards  this  work  ;  and 
one  proof  of  my  being  called  to  it,  as  it  seems  to  me, 
is  that  I  have  lost  that  relish  for  my  business  which  I 
once  had,  and  am  willing  to  be  poor,  if  I  only  may  be 
useful  in  my  Master's  cause.  In  entering  on  my  course 
I  have  nothing  to  fear  but  the  commission  of  sin  ;  but 
every  thing  to  encourage  me.  The  men  of  this  v>^orld, 
after  having  accomplished  their  plans,  are  often  at  a 
loss  to  what  they  shall  turn  next,  and  are  unhappy  for 
want  of  something  in  which  to  employ  themselves 
with  interest.  But  it  is  not  so  with  the  devoted  ser- 
vant of  Christ.  The  world  is  the  field  of  his  labors. 
He  always  has  enough  to  do,  and  is  assured  that  his 
labor  shall  not  be  in  vain.  It  will  be  sweet  and  animat- 
ing in  his  last  hours  to  reflect  that  he  has  lived  to  some 
good  purpose ;  that  he  has  served  the  Lord  by  serving 
others.  And  if  he  can  know  that  he  has  been  instru- 
mental in  turning  sinners  from  the  error  of  their  ways, 
and  saving  souls  from  death,  it  will  be  matter  of  ever- 
lasting thankfulness  and  praise.  May  this  joy,  my 
dear  parents,  be  mine,  to  the  glory  of  divine  grace ! 

"  In  reflecting  on  this  subject,  I  am  led  to  ask.  Can, 
CAN  it  be,  that  the  Lord  will  raise  me  up  to  be  one  of 
his  servants  in  the  ministry — me  !  who  am  so  igno- 
rant, so  helpless,  so  needy  ?  But  while  I  am  ignorant, 
helpless,  needy,  I  know  that  my  Lord  is  wise,  power- 
ful, and  possesseth  all  things.  Him  I  love — him  I 
would  serve  and  obey. 

"  I  shall  probably  take  my  departure  from  New-York 
iorLawrenceville,  near  Princeton,  New- Jersey.  There 
I  expect  to  spend  two  years  in  academical  studies.  Af- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  27 

ter  which  I  shall  spend  three  years  in  some  college ; 
whence  I  shall  repair  to  a  theological  seminary,  and 
study  probably  three  years  more.  The  time  seems 
long :  but  this  is  the  prescribed  course. 

"  Now,  taking  things  as  they  appear,  does  not  the 
language  of  Providence  seem  to  say,  go  ?  In  doing 
this,  I  would  be  mindful  that  I  must  deny  all  ungod- 
liness, and  every  worldly  lust,  and  live  soberly,  righ- 
teously, and  godly.  In  pursuing  this  course,  I  must  be 
holy  in  heart  and  in  life.  Humility  becomes  the  fol- 
lowers of  Jesus — I  must  possess  much  of  this  grace. 
As  a  minister  of  Christ,  I  must  be  willing  to  forsake 
all,  and  follow  him.  I  know  that  there  are  many  and 
awful  responsibilities  connected  with  this  office  ;  such 
as  do  not  rest  on  other  Christians.  The  Lord  knows 
this  too,  and  imparts  grace  sufficient  for  them.  But 
he  who,  whether  minister  or  private  Christian,  has 
the  glory  of  God  singly  in  view,  need  not  fear  the 
world,  the  fleshy  nor  the  devil,  for  he  shall  be  brought 
off  more  than  conqueror.  '  They  who  put  their  trust 
in  him  shall  never  be  confounded.' 

"  Trusting  in  the  Lord  for  strength,  and  confiding  in 
him  alone  for  help,  I  will  go  forAvard,  hoping  that  I 
shall  be  made  a  workman  that  need  never  be  ashamed  ; 
a  faithful  soldier  of  the  cross,  having  always  the  glory 
of  God  and  the  good  of  my  fellow-men  at  heart. 

"  My  dear  parents,  I  now  see  that  the  world  has  had 
too  much  of  my  time.  The  remainder,  I  trust,  will  be 
spent  more  in  the  service  of  my  blessed  Lord.  And 
may  you  find  increasing  delight  in  '  serving  without 
ceasing.'  Our  stay  here  is  short.  The  time  is  not  far 
distant  when  death  will  enter  our  family.  And  shall  it 
be  my  father,  my  dear  father,  or  my  dear  mother,  a  be- 


28  MEMOIR    OF 

loved  brother  or  sister,  who  shall ^rs^  be  consigned  to 
the  tomb  ?  My  father,  mother,  brothers  and  sisters, 
all  be  prepared  ;  being  washed,  being  sanctified,  be- 
ing justified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the 
Spirit  of  our  God. 

"  Your  affectionate  son, 

"James." 

Under  a  subsequent  date,  he  writes : 

"  The  time  necessary  forme  to  go  through  the  course 
marked  out,  is  eight  years.  I  hope  that  in  the  discharge 
of  my  duty  during  this  period  I  may  he  useful. 

"  The  Lord  has  laid  me  under  great  obligations  to 
be  thankful,  by  singling  me  out  from  the  rest  of  the 
dear  family  for  this  service.  And  I  hope  that  you,  my 
beloved  father  and  mother,  cease  not  to  thank  and 
praise  him,  that  he  has  condescended  to  confer  this 
honor  on  me.  Should  I  be  found  a  faithful  minister  of 
the  Gospel,  and  you,  with  me,  be  admitted  into  the 
upper  sanctuary,  this  one  thing  will  no  doubt  be  a 
theme  on  which  we  shall  dwell  with  everlasting  plea- 


To  his  sister,  in  a  letter  of  the  same  date,  he  thus 
expresses  his  views  of  the  solemnity  of  the  work  m 
which  he  was  about  to  engage : 

"This  age  seems  to  require  that  a  minister  should 
be  thoroughly  furnished  for  his  work.  They  who  have 
the  greatest  store  of  knowledge,  connected  with  true 
piety,  have  the  best  opportunities  of  doing  good.  But 
while  I  set  so  great  a  value  on  a  good  education,  I 
would  not  be  understood  to  say  that  education  is  a 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  29 

matter  of  the  highest  importance.  Pure  and  undefiled 
religion  is  the  chief  thing  in  the  character  of  a  minis- 
ter of  the  Gospel.  Without  it  he  cannot  be  useful. 
He  who  does  not  possess  love  to  God ;  who  has  never 
been  '  born  of  water  and  the  Spirit  j'  who  does  not 
feel  the  worth  of  immortal  souls,  and  who  does  not 
preach  as  a  dying  and  accountable  man  to  perishing 
and  accountable  beings,  is  not  worthy  of  the  name  ot 
a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ.  Feeling  the  awful  respon- 
sibility which  is  to  rest  on  me  should  I  enter  this  of- 
fice, as  I  hope  in  due  time  to  do,  I  am  ready  to  say, 
'  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things?'  The  Lord  alone 
can  be  my  helper.  Having  him  as  '  my  rock  of  de- 
fence,' I  need  fear  nothing.  I  hope  that  the  language 
of  my  heart  is,  'none  but  Christ;'  and  that  the  tenor 
of  my  life  will  be  in  conformity  to  it.  My  dear  sister, 
the  Lord  has  been  kind  to  us  in  days  that  are  past. 
He  has  given  us  reason  and  made  us  capable  of  enjoy- 
ing him.  He  has  brought  us  in  early  life  to  seek 
him,  that  we  may  '  be  found  in  him:'  let  us  then  de- 
vote the  remainder  of  life  to  his  service.  Let  us  not 
be  content  with  barely  getting  to  heaven  ourselves ; 
but  in  seeking  our  own  salvation,  let  us  also  seek 
that  of  others.  I  have  often  thought  that,  should  my 
life  be  spared  to  enter  the  ministry,  and  should  the 
blessing  of  my  Master  enable  me  to  do  some  little 
good  in  the  world,  the  reflection  would  be  sweet  and 
cheering  in  a  dying  hour.  And  in  the  eternal  world, 
how  delightful  must  it  be  to  find  souls  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  everlasting  rest,  who  have  been  brought  there 
through  our  instrumentality  !  Let  us  set  out  then  with 
renewed  diligence,  and  endeavor  to  do  something  for 
the  glory  of  our  Redeemer  and  the  salvation  of  sinners.' 
3* 


30  MEMOIR   OP 

To  another  friend  he  urges  the  following  request: 

"As  I  have  it  now  in  prospect  to  enter  the  ministry 
let  me  solicit  an  interest  in  your  prayers.  Pray  that 
I  may,  indeed,  be  willing  to  forsake  all,  and  follow 
Christ ;  that  I  may  be  meek  and  lowly  ;  a  workman 
that  need  not  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of 
truth,  and  giving  to  every  one  a  portion  in  due  season ; 
that  I  may,  as  'before  God  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  shall  judge  the  quick  and  dead  at  his  appearing 
and  his  kingdom,  preach  the  word  ;  be  instant  in  sea- 
son and  out  of  season ;  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort,  with 
all  long  suffering  and  doctrine  j'  that  I  may  be  blame- 
less, not  a  novice  lifted  up  with  pride  ;  that  I  may  hold 
the  mystery  of  faith  in  a  pure  conscience,  and  be  holy 
in  heart  and  in  life,  a  child  of  God,  without  rebuke.'' 

To  a  young  friend,  who  had  entered  on  a  prepara- 
tory course  of  study  a  little  time  before  him,  he  un- 
folds himself  with  much  freedom. 

"  You  having  entered  on  your  studies  for  the  minis- 
try, and  I  having  the  same  thing  in  prospect,  we  ought 
to  unite  in  grateful  acknowledgments  to  the  Lord,  that 
he  has  given  us  a  desire  for  this  service.  We  are  told 
by  an  inspired  apostle,  that  '  he  who  desireth  the  office 
of  a  bishop,  desireth  a  good  work.'  On  asking  myself 
what  reason  I  have  to  believe  that  the  Lord  has  called 
me  to  preach  the  Gospel,  I  reply :  My  desire  has  con- 
tinued for  a  considerable  time,  and  has  been  strong. 
My  wish  is  to  glorify  God,  and  be  useful  to  my  fellow- 
men.  Providence  has,  in  a  clear  manner,  opened  the 
way  for  me.  Far  be  it  from  me  to  take  this  holy  office 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  31 

on  myself,  unless  I  am  '  called  of  God,  as  was  Aaron.' 
But  the  time  seems  to  have  arrived,  when  I  ought  to 
go  and  prepare  for  preaching  the  Gospel.  During  my 
preparation,  and  through  life,  I  expect  to  meet  with 
trials.  Those  of  a  minister  are,  often,  of  no  ordinary 
kind.  But  as  are  his  trials,  so  will  be  his  joys,  if  in- 
deed he  has  pure  and  undefiled  religion.  This  is,  above 
all  things,  necessary.  And  as  '  God  resisteth  the  proud, 
but  giveth  grace  to  the  humble,'  how  important  is  it 
that  we  should  cultivate  humility.  '  He  that  exalteth 
himself  shall  be  abased,  but  he  that  humbleth  himself 
shall  be  exalted ' — exalted  to  fellowship  with  the  Fa- 
ther and  his  Son  Jesus  Christ ;  and  in  being  made  a  fit 
temple  for  the  indwelling  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  In  pros- 
pect of  this,  I  have  felt  willing  to  be  poor.  If  I  can 
only  be  useful,  it  will  be  enough  for  me.  But  self- 
denial  is  indispensable  for  a  minister:  may  I  be  will- 
mg  to  deny  myself,  and  take  up  my  cross  ! 

"  I  feel  desirous  to  go  to  my  work,  and  to  be  about 
my  Master's  business.  But  I  must  be  detained  here  a 
while  longer.  When  I  am  awake,  my  mind  is  at  all 
times  on  this  subject.  My  relish  for  business  is  gone, 
and  I  shall  not  feel  that  I  am  in  the  right  place,  until 
I  am  at  my  studies.  When  that  time  shall  come,  I  hope 
that  I  may  so  improve  in  virtue  and  knowledge,  that 
I  shall  glorify  God,  and  meet  the  expecta'ions  of  my 
friends. 

"  My  Christian  brother,  permit  me  to  request  that 
you  communicate  with  me  as  you  may  find  time ;  and 
as  you  are  older  in  religion  than  I  am,  I  shall  look  to 
you  to  give  me  such  advice  as  may  aid  my  growth  in 
grace.  As  we  have  a  common  Lord,  are  aiming  at  the 
same  heaven,  amidst  the  same  difficulties  and  dangers, 


32  MEMOIR  OF 

let  us  bear  each  other  on  the  heart,  when  we  go  to  ^ 
throne  of  grace." 

In  another  letter  to  the  same  friend,  he  speaks  of  the 
long  time  to  be  employed  in  preparation  for  the  minis- 
try ;  and  expresses  the  hope  that  he  might  be  useful 
while  prosecuting  his  studies.  To  this  he  adds  a  sen- 
timent of  very  great  value  to  all  who  are  preparing  for 
the  ministry.  It  seems  that  he  had  expected,  on  enter- 
ing his  course,  that  he  should  enjoy  the  fullest  oppor- 
tunities of  reading  the  Bible,  meditation,  and  prayer  in 
secret.  But  better  information  convinced  him  that  so 
many  hours  would  be  occupied  every  day  in  literary 
and  scientific  pursuits,  that  very  little  time  would  re- 
main for  those  delightful  employments.  He  therefore 
resolved  to  carry  religion  as  fully  as  possible  into  his 
studies ;  and  daily  engage  in  them,  with  the  thought 
that  thus  he  might  be  rendered  useful  in  the  vineyard 
of  the  Lord. 

His  purposes  and  resolutions  in  relation  to  those 
who  might  be  his  fellow-students,  also  show  the  true 
spirit  of  christian  prudence  and  benevolence.  To  the 
same  friend  he  writes  after  this  manner : — "  I  hope 
that  those  with  whom  we  shall  associate,  will  be  of 
the  right  cast ;  and  that  we  shall  be  very  cautious  with 
whom  we  form  intimate  connections.  But  let  us,  by 
the  meekness  of  our  temper  and  the  kindness  of  our 
deportment,  by  devotedness  to  the  cause  of  our  Re- 
deemer, and  the  earnestness  of  our  wishes  to  promote 
the  real  happiness  of  those  around  us,  interest  them  in 
us  and  gain  their  affections.  Let  the  saying  of  Paul 
be  our  motto,  '  Follow  peace  with  all  men,  and  holi- 
ness,  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.'  " 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  33 

Shortly  after  the  date  of  this  letter,  he  joined  the 
academy  at  Lawrenceville.  under  charge  of  the  Rev. 
Isaac  V.  Brown,  and  began  his  preparatory  studies. 
The  reader  cannot  but  have  remarked  the  earnestness 
of  his  desire  to  enter  the  ministry  ;  the  singleness  of  his 
motives  in  desiring  the  sacred  office ;  and  the  grateful 
joy  manifested,  when  Providence  rendered  plain  the 
way  for  him  to  begin  his  studies.  With  the  utmost  ala- 
crity he  left  an  employment  which  promised  wealth, 
and  all  the  consideration  in  the  world  which  wealth  in- 
sures, and  devoted  himself  to  the  service  of  the  church, 
with  the  expectation  of  being  poor  and  laboring  hard 
during  his  whole  life.  In  all  this,  however,  there  was 
none  of  the  rashness  of  a  young  enthusiast,  but  the 
deliberate  self-denial  of  a  true  Christian.  He  adopted 
no  plan,  he  took  no  step  without  first  consulting  his 
parents  and  most  judicious  friends,  and  obtaining  their 
approbation. 

At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  was  willing  to  sit  down 
to  a  course  of  eight  years'  study,  that  he  might  be  qua- 
lified for  usefulness,  and,  in  some  measure  at  least, 
prepared  to  meet  the  awful  responsibilities  of  the  mi- 
nisterial office.  These  responsibilities  he  deeply  felt* 
and  while  he  most  earnestly  desired  to  be  a  preacher 
of  the  Gospel,  he  was  too  conscientious  and  too  pru- 
dent to  rush  into  it  without  that  mental  discipline, 
and  that  culture  of  the  heart  which  would,  in  his  own 
deliberate  judgment,  justify  him  in  going  forward  as 
a  teacher  of  others. 

He  who  teaches  religion,  has  to  teach  persons  of  all 
classes — the  master  spirits  of  the  nation,  who  expect 
justness  and  force  of  thought,  propriety  of  language, 
enlarged  and  liberal  views,  united  with  "  the  meek- 


34  MEMOIR  OP 

ness  of  heavenly  wisdom:" — and  the  uninstnicted 
poor,  who  need  that  the  truth  should  be  set  forth  in 
terms  so  clear  and  familiar,  that  they  cannot  be  mis- 
taken. The  man  of  real  learning  alone  is  able  to  per- 
form this  service.  Accustomed  to  investigation,  he  ar- 
ranges his  thoughts  in  a  natural  order ;  habituated  to 
the  search  after  truth,  he  employs  words  with  preci- 
sion; and  knowing  how  greatly  the  energy  of  lan- 
guage is  increased  by  simplicity,  he  uses  "  great  plain- 
ness of  speech."  "Whereas,  the  untaught  and  the  half 
taught  foolishly  imagine  that  they  are  great  and  pro- 
found, in  proportion  as  they  are  unintelligible.  The 
most  eloquent  men  whom  I  have  ever  known,  such  as 
Patrick  Henry  and  John  Randolph,  among  statesmen  ; 
and  James  Waddell  and  James  Turner,  among  preach- 
ers, were  remarkable  for  the  simplicity  of  their  man- 
ner and  the  perfect  intelligibleness  of  their  language. 
They  made  every  one,  learned  and  rude,  feel  their  in- 
tellectual power.*  The  art  consists  mainly  in  setting 
the  subject  so  plainly  and  distinctly  before  the  people, 
that  every  one  shall  think  that  he  can  see  it  himself. 
But  it  requires  much  intellectual  discipline  to  enable 
a  public  speaker  to  do  this. 

It  deserves  also  to  be  remarked,  that  James  Brainerd 
Taylor  did  not  rely  for  evidence  of  a  call  to  the  minis- 

*  An  old  soldier  of  the  revolution  told  me,  that  in  some  se- 
vere encounter  during  the  war,  his  commanding  officer,  per- 
ceiving that  his  men,  though  fighting  bravely,  were  overshoot- 
ing the  enemy,  in  his  peculiar  sleing  cried  out,  "  shin  them, 
boys !  shin  them !"  and  at  the  very  first  fire  after  this  com- 
mand, the  advancing  column  of  British  grenadiers  wavered 
and  reeled,  and  was  very  soon  entirely  broken.  Let  the  soldier 
of  the  cross  imitate  the  example— let  him  fire  low 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  35 

try  on  the  impulses  of  his  own  mind,  or  some  unde- 
finable  feelings,  but  looked  carefully  at  the  leadings  of 
Providence,  at  the  wants  of  the  world,  and  at  the  state 
of  his  own  heart.  He  consulted  his  friends,  and  prayed 
over  the  subject.  In  a  word,  he  adopted  every  mea- 
sure to  enable  him  to  form  a  wise  determination ;  and 
as  the  result  of  the  whole,  went  forward  under  a  firm 
conviction  of  duty. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Pirst  two  years  in  Academy. 

On  the  13th  of  January,  1820,  Mr.  Taylor  arrived  at 
Lawrenceville,  and  began  a  course  of  study  prepara- 
tory to  his  entering  college.  A  young  man  in  this  situ- 
ation is  exposed  to  temptations  which  require  much 
vigilance  and  care ;  otherwise  his  religious  interests 
will  suffer ;  and  while  he  is  growing  in  knowledge,  he 
will  be  declining  in  piety. 

A  new,  dry,  and  difficult  study  at  once  occupies 
and  harasses  the  mind.  If  there  is  an  ardent  thirst  for 
knowledge,  and  any  waking  up  of  ambition  and  rival- 
ry, the  attention  is  so  engrossed  that  little  opportunity 
is  found  for  prayer  and  that  devotional  reading  of  the 
Scriptures  which  is  indispensable  to  one's  growth  in 
holiness.  And  if  religious  exercises  afford  high  enjoy- 
ment, there  is  great  danger  lest  the  young  student 
should  go  from  them  to  his  daily  studies  with  reluc- 


36  MEMOIR  OF 

taDce,  and  in  process  of  time  with  feelings  of  disgust, 
It  requires,  then,  much  firmness  of  religious  principle, 
and  great  self-watchfulness,  to  go  through  this  early 
part  of  preparation  with  no  diminution  either  of  the 
piety  of  the  student  or  his  desire  of  intellectual  im- 
provement. 

Besides,  a  promiscuous  school  of  twenty  or  thirty 
boys,  lodging  in  the  same  or  neighboring  buildings, 
has  a  spirit  generally  unfavorable  to  religious  improve- 
ment. Their  petty  jealousies,  their  occasional  dissa- 
tisfactions, the  general  levity  of  boys,  and  a  thousand 
things  of  this  kind,  operate  injuriously.  And  it  hap- 
pens, sometimes  at  least,  that  a  young  man  enters  col- 
lege with  less  of  the  spirit  which  becomes  a  minister 
of  Christ,  than  he  carried  with  him  to  the  grammar 
school. 

If,  then,  an  example  can  be  shown  of  one  who  went 
through  these  dangers  without  injury  ;  and  if  it  can  be 
shown  by  what  means  he  grew  in  grace,  while  others 
m  similar  circumstances  often  decline,  this  part  ot 
James  B.  Taylor's  memoir  may  be  useful  to  numbers, 
in  whose  high-toned  and  fervent  piety  the  church  and 
the  world  have  a  deep  interest. 

His  first  letter  from  Lawrenceville  is  addressed  to 

bis  friend  C H ,  who  was  then  preparing 

for  college,  at  Bloomfield,  N.  J. 

"  I  left  New- York  on  Tuesday,  and  lodged  in  New- 
Brunswick.  On  the  next  day,  at  six  P.  M.  I  set  out 
for  Lawrenceville.  After  we  had  proceeded  about 
eight  miles,  the  horses  suddenly  started  ofi",  and  before 
we  had  discovered  that  the  driver  was  left  behind^ 


JAMES    BRAINEHD    TAYLOR.  37 

they  were  un  ike  run.  There  were  four  passengers  in 
the  stage  besides  myself,  who  appeared  to  be  much 
agitated;  nor  did  I  wonder  at  it,  for  they  were  very 
irreligious  persons,  and  there  appeared  to  be  no  way 
of  escape.  I  did  not  know  what  the  issue  would  be, 
but  of  this  I  was  certain,  that  the  Judge  of  all  the 
earth  would  do  right,  and  my  mind  was  in  a  great  de- 
gree composed.  The  suddenness  of  the  affair  caused 
a  little  anxiety  at  first.  But  I  thought  of  the  distin- 
guishing mercy  of  my  heavenly  Father,  who-had  been 
pleased  to  call  me  to  trust  in  him ;  and  I  felt  that  it 
was  a  time  to  set  a  value  on  the  religion  of  Jesus,  and 
the  hope  which  it  imparts.  O  that  I  might  value  it 
more  !  The  horses  ran  about  two  miles  at  full  speed, 
and  then  turned  into  the  yard  v/here  they  are  accus- 
tomed to  stop,  without  any  injury  to  the  passengers  or 
stage.  I  consider  the  escape  as  entirely  providential, 
and  feel  that  I  am  called  on  '  to  praise  the  Lord  for 
his  goodness,'  and  say,  '  hitherto  hath  he  helped  me.' 
My  situation  is  pleasant.  Religious  privilege*  are  bet- 
ter than  I  expected.  We  have  family  worship  morn- 
ing and  evening,  preaching  every  Sabbath,  and  prayer- 
meetings  on*  Tuesday,  Friday,  and  Saturday. 

"  As  yet  I  have  made  very  little  progress  in  my 
Latin.  I  find  it  pretty  dry,  and  rather  trying,  for  I  go 
on  more  slowly  than  I  expected.  This  has  troubled 
me  somewhat ;  but  as  it  is  the  way  to  usefulness,  I 
hope  I  shall  not  yield  to  such  feelings.  I  think  that 
we  may  be  as  happy  now,  as  at  any  future  period  of 
life,  if  we  only  use  our  present  privileges  with  a  rign 
spirit.  Having  been  here  but  a  short  time,  I  have  not 
yet  adopted  any  particular  plan  for  disposing  of  my 
time.  I  design  before  long  to  draw  up  such  an  one  for 

4  J.  D.  Taylor. 


38  WEP.IOIR    OP 

my  guidance.  Tae  remarks  of  the  great  moralist,  John' 
son,  on  this  subject  I  think  are  good.  '  1  believe,  says 
he,  it  is  best  to  throw  life  into  a  method,  that  every 
hour  may  bring  its  employment,  and  every  employ- 
ment have  its  hour.  If  every  thing  be  kept  in  a  cer- 
tain place,  when  any  thing  is  worn  out  or  consumed, 
the  vacuity  which  it  leaves  will  show  what  is  want- 
ing :  so  if  every  part  of  time  has  its  appropriate  duty, 
the  hour  will  call  into  remembrance  its  engagement.' 
Should  you  have  drawn  up  any  scheme  for  the  dispo- 
sal of  your  time,  I  should  like,  if  you  have  no  objec- 
tion, to  see  it,  as  il  may  be  useful  to  me. 

"  During  the  course  of  our  studies,  may  we  have 
the  smiles  of  our  heavenly  Father  !  The  responsibi- 
lities resting  on  us  are  of  no  ordinary  kind;  let  us, 
therefore,  'be  up  and  doing.'  As  we  advance  in  life, 
I  hope  that  we  shall  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  know- 
ledge of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ;  counting 
it  more  than  our  meat  and  drink  to  do  the  will  of  him 
who,  of  his  mercy,  hath  called  us  into  his  service.  It 
seems  more  and  more  necessary  that  we  should  be  ex- 
emplary in  our  conduct,  that  we  should  be  '  wise  as 
serpents,  and  harmless  as  doves.'  That  this  may  be 
the  case  ;  that  we  may  be  found  faithful  soldiers  of  the 
cross  ;  the  '  sons  of  God  without  rebuke,'  and  be  final- 
ly received  to  mansions  in  the  skies,  is  the  prayer  of 
your  sincere  friend,  J.  B.  T." 

To  two  of  his  aunts,  living  in  Tolland,  (Conn.)  he 
addressed  a  letter,  dated  January  23,  1820,  in  which 
occur  the  following  passages  : 

"  The  school  which  I  attend  consists  of  twenty-five 


JAME3    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  39 

scholars,  of  whom  five,  including  myself,  are  prepar- 
ing for  the  ministry  :  the  rest  are  wild,  giddy-headed 
boys.  I  am  pleasantly  situated  in  an  agreeable  family, 
and  have  two  room-mates,  of  whom  one*  is  a  pious, 
humble  Christian,  and  I  think  as  suitable  a  companion 
for  me  as  could  be  found.  He  is  about  three  weeks 
ahead  of  me  in  pursuit  of  the  same  object.  In  the 
summer  season  this  will  be  a  beautiful  spot,  having 
many  pleasant  walks  and  much  fine  scenery.  Yester- 
day morning,  early,  I  walked  into  the  fields,  and  found 
a  refreshing  time  for  ray  soul.  A  view  of  the  works 
of  creation,  and  the  echoes  of  various  pleasant  sounds, 
broke  on  the  ear  and  warmed  my  heart.  As  I  looked 
on  the  surrounding  objects,  I  felt  that  '  my  Father 
made  them  all.'  How  delightful  is  it  to  be  '  calm  and 
serene ;'  how  sweet  to  repose  with  confidence  on  a 
covenant  God,  and  to  cast  all  our  care  on  him,  who 
careth  for  us  !  The  soul  can  then  look  down  on  the 
world  with  a  holy  indifierence,  knowing  that  it  is  not 
the  believer's  home. 

"  '  The  older  I  grow,  the  more  I  feel  the  necessity 
of  living  nearer  to  the  Lord.'  Do  you  not  find  it  so 
with  yourselves  ?  O  for  the  power  of  quickening  grace 
to  animate  us  in  our  Christian  life ! 

'  Come,  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  dove, 
With  all  thy  quick'ning  powers; 
Kindle  a  flame  of  sacred  love  ' 

la  these  cold  hearts  of  ours.' 

"  Having  embarked  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  I  hope 
that  my  life  may  be  one  continued  act  of  devoted ness 

•  Rev.  Mr.  Gulick,  since  missionary  to  the  Sandwich  I-jlauds, 


40  MEMOIR    OP 

to  him.  Having  put  my  hand  to  the  plough,  I  trust  that 
I  shall  never  look  back :  and  I  depend  on  him  Tvho 
raises  up,  qualifies,  and  thrusts  laborers  into  his  vine- 
yard, for  grace  to  strengthen  me.  In  looking  forward, 
I  see  that  years  will  pass  before  I  appear  in  public  as 
an  ambassador  for  Christ.  But  this  does  not  discou- 
rage me.  I  am  sometimes  anxious,  lest,  while  occu- 
pied with  my  studies,  I  should  lose  my  enjoyment  of 
religion.  Do  you  tell  me  '  draw  nigh  to  the  Lord,  and 
he  Avill  draw  nigh  to  you?'  O  for  a  closer  walk  with 
God;  a  continual  hungering  and  thirsting  for  the  wa- 
ter of  life  I  Since  my  mind  has  been  made  up  to  de- 
vote myself  to  the  service  of  Christ  in  the  ministry,  I 
feel  more  deeply  my  need  of  an  interest  in  the  prayers 
of  my  brethren  and  sisters  in  the  Lord.  I  hope  you 
will  not  think  that  I  am  placing  dependence  on  man. 
The  prayer  of  the  righteous,  you  know,  availeth  much. 
As  then  you  are  acquainted  with  my  situation,  I  earn- 
estly beg  to  be  remembered  in  your  prayers.  Make 
mention  of  me  in  all  your  supplications.  Entreat  our 
heavenly  Father  that  I  may  be  a  pattern  of  piety  ;  that 
I  may  manifest  the  reality  and  excellency  of  the  reli- 
gion which  I  profess,  by  walking  worthy  of  my  high 
calling  in  Christ  Jesus ;  and  that  I  may  never  bring 
reproach  on  that  cause  which  I  have  espoused. 

"  The  Loid  being  near  and  around  me,  and  the  Ho- 
ly Spirit  abiding  in  my  heart,  unworthy  as  I  am,  during 
the  part  of  my  life  devoted  to  preparatory  studies,  may 
I  groAv  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  my  Savior. 
It  is  my  earnest  desire  that  I  may  be  prepared  for  my 
work,  and  in  due  time  become  a  faithful  minister  of 
the  New  Testament." 


JAMES    ERAINERD    TAYLOR.  41 

In  letters  to  his  parents,  written  shortly  after  com- 
mencing his  studies,  he  further  exhibits  the  state  of  his 
mind  in  regard  to  the  great  work  before  him. 

"  February  4, 1820. 
"  My  present  situation  is  that  which  I  have  for  many 
months  been  wishing  to  occupy.  The  Lord,  I  trust, 
has  inclined  my  heart  to  engage  in  this  work,  and  by 
a  kind  providence  has  placed  me  here,  that  I  may  pre- 
pare to  preach  his  Gospel.  In  looking  around  for  my 
former  companions,  I  find  that  some  are  dead,  others 
are  living  without  any  concern  for  their  souls,  while  a 
precious  few  have  fled  to  the  ark  of  safety,  and  have 
found  the  Lord  Jesus.  O,  what  occasion  for  thankful- 
ness have  I !  My  dear  parents,  help  me  to  praise  the 
God  of  my  salvation  :  for  once  your  son  was  '  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sins,'  a  despiser  of  that  which  is  good, 
and  a  lover  of  evil.  Bless  the  Lord  for  the  hope  which 
we  have  through  the  'peace-speaking  blood  of  the 
dear  Redeemer.' 

'  He  moves  in  a  mysterious  way, 
'His  wonders  to  perform.' 

I,  who  am  so  unworthy,  am  now  on  the  way,  under 
his  direction,  as  I  believe  ;  and  should  life  and  health 
be  spared,  I  trust  the  time  will  come  when  I  shall  pub- 
licly declare  the  riches  of  his  sovereign  grace  to  my 
fellow-sinners.  It  is  delightful  to  think  of  being  made 
the  instrument  of  bringing  even  one  of  the  lost  sheep 
of  Christ  into  his  fold.  How  sweet,  in  a  dying  hour, 
to  know  that  one  has  done  some  good  to  the  souls  of  his 
fellow-men.  To  be  engaged  in  the  service  of  him  who 
came  to  seek  and  save  the  lost,  is  honorable ;  for  he  is 
'  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords.'  May  my  soul  al- 
4* 


42  MEMOIR   OF 

ways  delight  in  this  service,  and  my  lot  be  cast  with 
the  followers  of  Jesus.  Let  it  be  our  continual  desire 
to  live  near  to  him,  who  gave  himself  for  us,  that  we 
might  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 

"  I  greatly  admire  the  character  of  a  minister  of  the 
gospel,  as  drawn  by  Cowper : 


Simple,  grave,  sincere 


*  fn  doctrine  uncorrupt;  in  language  plain, 

*  And  plain  in  manner;  decent,  solemn,  chaste 

*  And  natural  in  gesture  ;  much  impressed 

'  Himself,  as  conscious  of  his  awful  charge, 

*  And  anxious  mainly  that  the  flock  he  feeds 

*  May  feel  it  too  :  affectionate  in  look, 

*  And  tender  in  address,  as  well  hecoraes 

*  A  messenger  of  grace  to  guilty  men.' " 

In  a  letter  to  Mr.  H.,  written  about  a  month  after  he 
began  his  course  of  study,  after  expressing  a  number 
of  sentiments  similar  to  those  contained  in  the  forego- 
ing extracts,  he  gives  a  brief  account  of  the  manner  in 
which  he  employed  his  time.  This  account  is  closed 
with  the  following  sentence :  "The  last  thing  before 
retiring,  every  night,  my  companion  and  I  commit  to 
memory  a  portion  of  Scripture.  What  may  not  this 
amount  to  in  eight  years?" 

• 

This  little  quotation  is  introduced  chielly  for  the  pur- 
pose of  earnestly  recommending  such  a  practice  to  the 
miitation  of  all  theological  students.  During  the  long 
course  of  preparation  for  the  ministry,  while  every 
term  brings  with  it  some  new  and  difficult  study,  with 
which  the  mind  is  much  occupied,  and  often  much  per- 
plexed, the  Bible  is  too  frequently  treated  with  com- 
parative neglect.  And  not  unfrequently  young  preach- 


JAMES    BRAIN ERD    TAYLOR.  43 

ers  manifest  more  intimate  acquamtance  with  critical 
rules,  and  the  arguments  of  polemics,  than  with  the 
Holy  Scriptures.  But  nothing  can  compensate  the 
'preacher  for  the  v:ant  of  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
Bible.  It  ought  to  be  treasured  up  in  the  memorj'-,  and 
made  the  subject  of  daily  meditation  and  prayer.  Now, 
if  a  young  man  will,  when  he  enters  his  preparatory 
course,  adopt  James  B.  Taylor's  rule,  and  eyerz/  night, 
before  retiring  to  rest,  commit  to  memory  a  short  por- 
tion of  the  Bible,  selecting  those  parts  which  may 
make  suitable  subjects  for  meditation  and  devotional 
exercise  the  next  day,  he  may,  by  the  time  he  enters 
the  ministry,  have  half  the  Bible  by  heart.  And  he 
may  be  so  familiar  with  its  contents,  as  to  be  able, 
when  performing  missionary  services,  to  prepare  ser- 
mons which  shall  be  full  of  pertinent  scriptural  illus- 
tration and  proof,  without  the  help  of  a  concordance. 
The  faciUties  which  such  jn-eparation  as  this  would 
afford  are  invaluable.  But  in  addition  to  this,  if  the 
truth  is  the  only  instrument  of  sanctification,  what  bet- 
ter means  for  growth  in  grace  can  be  adopted,  than  this 
daily  increase  of  scriptural  knowledge  ?  Let  students 
of  theology  read  the  Bible — let  them  study  the  Bible 
—let  them  pray  over  the  Bible.* 

*  Note  hy  a  f?-iend.— Mr.  Taylor's  familiarity  with  the  con- 
tents of  the  Hible  was  observable  by  all  with  whom  he  asso 
ciated.  It  was  an  interesting  trait  in  his  habits  of  intercourse 
with  friends,  that,  when  the  conversation  seemed  at  a  stand,  he 
would  take  out  his  little  pocket  Bible,  saying,  '*I  guess  1  can 
find  something  here  to  amuse  us;"  and  then  would  give  a  fa- 
miliar exposition  of  some  passage,  and  connect  with  the  illus- 
tration some  anecdote  ;  at  the  same  time  repeating,  and  turn- 
ing to  parallel  passages;  so  that  no  one  could  listen  to  him 
without  being  deeply  interested.    So  peculiarly  happy  was  he 


44  MEMOIR  OF 

We  have  now  seen  with  what  views  and  feeXingi 
James  B.  Taylor  began  his  preparations  for  the  minis- 
try. Let  us  next  see  how  he  preserved  the  spirit  with 
which  he  set  out ;  and  what  measures  he  adopted  to  pre- 
pare for  the  office  which  he  so  ardently  desired. 

Before  he  had  been  one  month  at  Lawrenceville,  he 
established,  and  with  his  pious  fellow-students  con- 
ducted a  weekly  prayer-meeting,  about  three  miles  from 
the  village.  It  was  among  a  people,  the  most  of  whom 
seldom  or  never  attended  church.  But  yet,  won  by  the 
kind  attentions  of  these  young  men,  they  came  together 
weekly,  in  considerable  numbers,  to  hear  hymns  sung 
listen  to  instruction,  and  join  in  prayer  to  the  Father 
of  all.  After  giving  to  a  friend  an  account  of  this  place, 
and  of  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  people,  Mr.  Taylor 
adds,  in  a  tone  of  peculiar  earnestness,  "  There  I  hope 
TO  BE  USEFUL.  "  This  is  the  true  spirit  of  the  pulpit. 
A  man  who  enters  it  with  any  other  view,  had  better 
be  any  where  else  in  the  wide  world. 

There  is  need,  therefore,  that  the  candidate  for  the 
ministry,  as  well  as  the  preacher  of  the  Gospel,  should 
watch  the  movements  of  his  heart ;  and  every  hour 
that  he  should  pray,  "  Hold  thou  me  up,  and  I  shall 
be  safe." 

This  prayer-meeting,  which  had  been  established  on 

in  these  familiar  illustrations,  that  it  was  not  an  unfrequent 
thing  to  see  those  around  hira  smile  with  delight,  and  at  the 
uext  moment  weep  with  deep  emotion.  There  arc  many,  who 
were  often  in  his  society,  who  will  recognize  the  trnth  of  this 
remark  in  their  own  experience.  He  would  often  speak  of  his 
Bible,  as  "the  dear  little  booky  I  was  present  at  his  examina- 
tion, and  never  heard  any  man  quote  the  Sacred  Scriptures 
with  such  fluency,  for  confirmation  of  his  doctrinal  views,  «s 
the  questions  were  successively  proposed  to  hira. 


JAMES  BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  45 

Friday  evening,  was  changed  to  Sabbath  afternoon ; 
and  was  regularly  attended  by  Mr.  Taylor.  The  re- 
ligious exercises  thus  held,  soon  produced  a  desire  for 
further  information  ;  and  a  Bible  class  was  formed, 
wffich  he  was  requested  to  superintend.  A  short  time 
afterwards,  the  young  ladies  of  Lawrenceville  volun- 
tarily associated  in  a  similar  class,  to  meet  before 
church  time  on  Sabbath  morning,  and  desired  him  to 
hear  their  recitations.  To  each  of  these  requests  he 
assented.  And  thus  his  Sabbaths  were  fully  occupied 
in  labors  to  do  and  to  obtain  good.  At  10  o'clock  he 
met  the  Bible  class  in  Lawrenceville;  at  11  he  went 
to  church  ;  and  after  dinner  walked  three  miles  to  hear 
his  Bible  class  in  the  country,  after  which  he  attend- 
ed the  prayer-meeting,  where  he  read  a  sermon,  fre- 
quently addressed  the  people,  sung  thrice,  offered  two 
prayers,  and  sometimes  held  conversations  on  the  sub- 
ject of  religion.  This  showed  great  earnestness  of 
desire  to  be  doing  something  for  the  cause  of  Christ 
and  the  good  of  men.  His  letters  give  some  interest- 
ing accounts  of  the  effects  of  this  prayer-meeting.  To 
one  of  his  sisters  he  writes  thus : 

*'  Lawrenceville,  June  19,  1820. 

"  '  To  do  good  and  communicate  forget  not,'  is  a 
maxim  which  we  should  keep  in  continual  remem- 
brance. The  more  we  conform  our  lives  to  it,  the 
greater  will  be  our  resemblance  to  our  blessed  Savior, 
as  he  lived  among  men.  To  do  good,  we  must  seek 
opportunities ;  and  then  opportunities  will  frequently 
find  us.  Since  reading  Cotton  Mather's  '  Essays  to 
do  Good,'  I  feel  that  I  have  been  exceedingly  defi- 
cient.    In  looking  back  to  the  time  when  I  first  made 


46  MEMOIR   OP 

a  public  profession  of  religion — (you  know  that  though 
distant  from  each  other,  and  unapprised  of  our  respec- 
tive intentions,  we  both  made  the  same  solemn  pro- 
fession on  the  same  day) — on  looking  back,  I  am  con- 
strained to  say,  O  what  a  barren  fig-tree  I  have  bein  ! 
my  leanness  !  my  leanness  !  But  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
I  have  a  desire  to  do  good  now. 

"  No  doubt  you  wish  to  hear  something  of  my  prayer  ■ 
meeting.  On  Sabbath  afternoon,  at  four,  I  meet  about 
one  hundred  people,  assembled  in  two  rooms,  most  of 
whom  are  ignorant  of  God.  I  stand  in  the  door  be- 
tween, and  generally  read  to  them  a  sermon  ;  after 
which  I  sometimes  speak  a  few  words  of  exhortation. 
As  yet  I  have  seen  no  effect,  except  that  they  have 
become  more  attentive ;  and  instead  of  profaning  the 
Sabbath  by  laboring  in  the  fields,  <S:c.  they  are  seen 
at  the  meeting.  I  trust  that  good  seed  is  sowing,  and 
that  it  will  spring  up  in  due  time.  Pray  that  it  may ; 
and  engage  your  Christian  sisters  to  pray  for  me.  The 
Lord  has  done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are 
glad.  Then  for  his  distinguishing  mercy,  let  us  distin- 
guish ourselves  by  our  piety,  our  love  to  God  and  men." 

To  C H . 

"  Lawrenceville,  July  12,  1820. 
"That  millions  of  souls  are  perishing,  is  a  truth 
that  ought  to  have  a  place  in  all  our  thoughts.  And 
we  may  profitably  inquire,  what  can  we  do  to  meliorate 
their  condition?  This  ruin  is  not  confined  to  heathen 
lands — it  is  at  onr  doors  and  our  Jire-sides.  Num- 
bers near  us  are  dying  for  want  of  the  bread  of  life. 
To  these  last,  situated  as  we  are,  our  attention  is  now 


JAMES    BRAINEKD    TAYLOR.  47 

called.  What  Providence  may  do  for  the  former,  in 
the  course  of  time,  by  our  instrumentality,  we  know 
not.  The  Head  of  the  church,  who  qualifies  his  ser- 
vants to  do  his  work,  disposes  of  them  as  '  seemeth 
him  good.'  But  what  are  we  doing  for  those  that  are 
near  to  us  ?  My  brother,  I  presume  that  you  are  faith- 
ful— I  hope  you  are.  For  my  part,  I  have  to  confess 
with  shame  my  many  omissions.  My  failings  stare 
me  in  the  face.     '  A  beam  is  in  my  own  eye.'' 

"  But  now  I  will  inform  you  what  I  have  been  en- 
deavoring to  do.  The  opportunity  was  afforded  to 
me  of  attempting  something,  by  a  recess  of  three  days 
in  our  school.  On  Sunday,  the  2d  instant,  I  went  as 
usual  to  attend  my  prayer-meeting,  and  found  the 
house  filled  to  overflowing.  At  the  close  of  the  meet- 
ing, according  to  my  previous  plan,  I  told  the  people 
that  I  intended  to  spend  two  days  in  visiting,  from 
house  to  house,  as  many  of  them  as  I  could.  Accord- 
ingly I  commenced  oil  Sunday  evening  my  new  em- 
ployment. At  the  first  house  where  I  called,  I  found 
a  young  person  greatly  distressed  on  account  of  sin. 
This  case  of  awakening  had  occurred  at  our  prayer- 
meeting.  There  was  very  great  distress.  I  endea- 
vored to  offer  such  instruction  as  suited  the  case ;  and 
I  have  strong  hope  that  there  will  soon  be  joy  and 
peace  in  believing.  I  say  no  more  of  this  case,  but 
only  ask  you  to  'pray. — At  the  next  house  where  I 
stopped,  I  found  no  appearance  of  religion.  You  can 
form  a  pretty  good  idea  of  what  I  said  in  such  cases. 

"On  Monday  I  made  ten  visits.  In  these  I  found 
four  Christians  and  some  persons  well  disposed  to- 
wards religion,  but  the  great  majority  caring  only  for 
the  perishing  things  of  this  world.  At  the  house  where 


48  MEMOIR   OF 

I  tarried  that  night,  I  found  a  young  lady,  in  circum- 
stances similar  to  those  of  the  person  first  mentioned, 
boAved  down  under  a  sense  of  sin,  and  earnestly  desi- 
ring the  one  thing  needful.  This  greatly  encouraged 
me;  for  I  do  believe  that  she  is  seeking  the  way  of 
truth,  '  the  good  old  way.'  Here  also  I  met  with  one 
who  appeared  to  be  a  Christian  indeed.  O  how  plea- 
sant !     It  is  like  a  well  of  water  in  a  thirsty  land. 

"  On  Tuesday  I  called  at  ten  houses.  At  most  of 
them  I  presented  one  or  more  Tracts,  such  as  I  thought 
most  likely  to  be  useful.  This  was  the  fourth  of  July. 
In  the  evening  I  had  many  reflections  on  the  manner 
in  which  I  had  spent  the  day,  so  totally  different  from 
that  in  which  I  had  heretofore  spent  that  anniversary. 
O  how  much  greater  cause  of  triumph,  to  be  instru- 
mental in  delivering  one  soul  from  the  power  of  sin 
and  Satan,  than  to  be  the  conqueror  of  nations  !  The 
contrast  will  be  fully  seen  only  above. 

"On  the  following  day  I  artended  the  installment 

of  the  Rev.  G.  S.  W -,  at  Princeton,  and  a  so^ 

lemn  time  it  was.  O  C ,  the  awful  responsibili- 
ties of  the  office  to  which  we  are  looking  forward!  It 
is  connected  directly  with  the  solemnities  of  the 
judgment-day.  Should  the  Lord  see  fit  to  put  us  into 
that  station,  the  souls  of  those  to  whom  we  preach 
will  be  profited  or  injured  by  us.  But  the  duties  of 
the  pulpit  are  not  all — that  of  visiting,  we  know,  is 
expected.  When  I  anticipate  the  time  of  my  being  a 
preacher,  my  mind  dwells  on  this  as  a  delightful  task. 

"  By  visiting,  the  pastor  knows  all  the  wants  of  his 
flock,  and  performs  indeed  the  kindest  part  of  the 
shepherd's  office.  Since  I  wrote  to  you  last,  the  young 
ladies  of  Lawrenceville  have  formed  a  Cibltt  class 


JAMES    BIIAINERD    TAVLOK.  49 

find  solicited  me  to  hear  their  recitations.  I  was  glad 
to  comply  with  their  request.  To  render  this  measure 
beneficial,  I  have  determined  to  make  it  a  kind  of  pray- 
er-meeting. The  recitation  is  always  opened  with 
prayer,  and  closed  with  singing.  Thus,  you  see,  my 
duties  increase;  and  I  hope  that  it  will  be  so  as  long 
as  I  live.  May  I  have  that  wisdom  from  above  which 
is  profitable  to  direct;  may  the  word  of  truth  dwell  in 
me  richly  in  all  wisdom !  This  increase  of  duties  con* 
vinces  me  that  the  grace  aiforded  for  yesterday  will 
not  supply  my  wants  to-day.  I  trust  that  1  have  not 
been  called  to  this  place  for  nothing.  That  I  may  be 
useful,  is  my  desire.  If  my  heart  does  not  deceive 
me,  I  long  to  spend  and  be  spent  for  Christ." 

These  extracts  will  serve  to  show  how  this  devoted 
young  Christian  endeavored,  while  pursuing  his  stu- 
dies, to  strengthen  the  desire  of  being  useful.  In  the 
sequel  we  shall  see  more  of  his  labors,  and  of  their 
results  both  in  regard  to  himself  and  to  others. 

While  thus  engaged  in  Lawrenceville,  he  felt  the 
deepest  solicitude  respecting  the  spiritual  interests  of 
his  near  relations.  He  had  natural  affection  in  unu- 
sual strength,  and  it  mingled  in  all  its  poAver  v/ith  his 
religious  feelings.  Every  letter  to  his  parents,  bro- 
thers and  sisters,  breathes  the  most  earnest  desires 
that  those  who  Were  Christians  might  advance  in  holi- 
ness, and  that  the  others  might  feel  all  the  power  of 
divine  truth,  and  be  brought  to  a  saving  knowledge  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

To  his  Parents. 

"  The  other  evening,  as  I  was  reflecting  on  the  pas- 
sage of  Scripture  contained  in  2  Cor.  5:30,  'For  we 

5  J.  B.  Taylor. 


60  MEMOIR  or 

must  all  appear  before  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ, 
that  every  one  may  receive  the  things  done  in  the  bo- 
dy, according  to  that  he  hath  done,  whether  it  be  good 
or  badj'  I  thought  on  the  situation  of  my  fellow-men 
who  reject  the  offers  of  mercy  !  Alas  !  where  will 
the  sinner  appear  in  the  great  day  of  the  Lord,  when 
the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat,  and  the 
earth  shall  be  burned  up  ?  In  thinking  of  our  relatives, 
I  could  call  to  mind  but  few  who  had  devoted  them- 
selves to  Christ.  And,  when  my  thoughts  turned  to 
our  own  family,  they  dv/elt  on  some  who  had  arrived 
at  years  of  discretion,  but  who  had  not  given  them- 
selves to  the  Lord.  Oh  !  shall  they — can  they  perish? 
May  God  interpose  for  them,  that  not  one,  at  the  last, 
may  be  '  found  a  cast-away  !'  " 

Under  a  sense  of  duty  to  his  nearest  kindred,  James 
B.  Taylor  had  a  very  delicate  task  to  perform.  At 
that  time,  the  only  regular  worship  in  his  father's 
family  was  reading  prayers  on  the  Sabbath.  The  ne- 
cessity of  a  change  of  heart,  it  appears,  was  not  duly 
regarded  by  his  father;  and  young  Taylor  was  deeply 
distressed  under  the  apprehension  that  some,  whom  he 
most  loved  in  the  world,  were  stopping  short  of  that 
religion  which  the  Gospel  required.  He  often  resolved 
that  he  would  speak  to  his  venerated  father  on  this 
subject 3  but  filial  fear  and  youthful  diffidence  pre- 
vented. At  length  he  resolved  that  he  would  write. 
But  a  direct  address  might  appear  as  though  the  son 
were  taking  the  place  of  the  parent.  Accordingly  he 
determined  to  select  as  a  subject,  '•  The  idea  of  a  well 
regulated  family."  On  this  he  wrote,  in  the  form  of 
letters  to  his  parents,  three  essays ;  in  which  he  con- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  51 

sidered  all  the  usual  topics  of  order,  industry,  econo- 
my, &c. ;  but  with  these  he  gave  a  very  correct  view 
of  the  religious  obligations  of  heads  of  families.  Af- 
ter going  over  the  whole  subject,  he  put  the  question 
to  his  parents,  whether  their  views  coincided  with  his 
on  those  important  points,  and  on  the  obligations  of 
parents.  He  then,  in  turn,  addressed  his  sisters  on 
the  subject  of  vital,  experimental  religion,  with  great 
earnestness  ;  rejoicing  on  account  of  those  members 
of  the  family  who  gave  evidence  of  piety,  and  express- 
ing the  deepest  solicitude  in  regard  to  the  rest.  These 
letters  exhibit  the  writer  in  a  most  interesting  point  of 
view.  Few  Christians  feel  as  they  ought  their  obli- 
gations to  the  souls  of  their  near  kindred  ;  and  many 
who  do  in  some  degree  appreciate  them,  are  so  injudi- 
cious in  respect  to  time,  manner,  and  spirit,  as  to  do 
harm  in  many  cases  where  they  meant  to  do  good.  It 
was  not  so  in  this  instance.  James  B,  Taylor's  labors 
of  love  were  blessed  in  an  eminent  degree  to  his  kin- 
dred, as  will  more  fully  appear  in  the  sequel. 

It  appears  from  his  correspondence,  that  he  Avas 
very  careful  in  keeping  a  diary,  in  which  he  noted 
down  his  religious  exercises,  his  joys  and  sorrows,  his 
performances  of  duty,  and  his  sins.  But  there  only 
remain  parts  of  his  journal  from  the  years  1823  to 
1827  ;  the  rest  have  been  destroyed.  His  confidential 
letters  which  have  been  preserved,  show  great  vigi- 
lance of  self-inspection,  much  humility  under  a  sense 
of  defective  holiness,  and  strong  desires  to  make 
greater  advances  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ ;  as  will 
appear  from  the  following  extracts  of  letters  to  an  emi- 
nent Christian,  with  whom  he  corresponded  in  terms 
of  the  greatest  intimacy. 


52  MEMOIR  or 

"May  9,  1820. 
"  Alas !  hoTV  distressing  to  tke  soul  is  a  sense  of 
the  departure  of  the  Comforter !  Let  me  call  on  you 
to  unite  with  me  in  praising  the  Lord  that  the  dark- 
ness has,  in  some  degree,  gone  by.  The  billows  have 
rolled  over  me ;  but  thanks  to  our  blessed  Lord  that 
liis  mercy  was  not  clean  gone  for  ever.  '  Bless  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  his 
holy  name,'  for  the  Sun  of  righteousness  has  risen 
upon  me." 

"  July  11,  1820. 

"  Do  you  ask,  '  how  is  it  with  you  V     Oh ,  I  am 

the  same  inconstant,  unsteady  one  you  have  always 
seen  me  to  be;  the  same  unfruitful  vine,  on  which 
barrenness  seems  to  be  written.  O  sin,  thou  art  the 
enemy  of  my  soul !  It  is  for  this  my  heart  is  pained. 
It  is  the  cause  of  all  our  trouble  in  this  world  ;  and 
while  it  digs  graves  for  our  bodies,  it  kindles  the  fires 
of  hell  for  the  souls  of  those  who  love  it.  But  I  think 
that  I  really  hate  sin  and  love  holiness.  Yet  I  must 
say  that  I  am  not  satisfied  with  any  of  my  perform- 
ances, because  so  much  sin  is  mixed  with  them.  No- 
thing short  of  perfect  holiness  can  ever  satisfy  the 
soul." 

"  November  18,  1820. 

'  I  feel  myself,  as  heretofore,  unworthy  of  the  re- 
gard of  my  Christian  friends ;  and  at  times  I  am  as- 
tonished that  any  should  love  such  a  one  as  1  am. 
Surely  if  they  could  see  me  as  I  sometimes  see  my- 
self, they  would  wonder  too.  Alas  !  in  all  things  I 
come  short,  and  in  many  I  offend.     Yet  I  bless  the 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  53 

Lord  for  what  he  has  done  for  me,  and  I  rely  on  his 
grace  to  make  me  more  like  himself.  My  soul  daily 
pants  for  more  holiness,  more  devotedness  to  the  cause 
of  my  Redeemer ;  and  through  him  I  do  hope  to  be 
made  useful." 

To  another  friend,  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  he 
says : 

"  February  10,  1820. 

"I  wish  that  I  could  give  you  some  good  account 
of  myself.  But  I  am  too  little  engaged  in  my  Master's 
service.  Spiritual  pride,  that  bane  of  the  human  soul, 
lurks  within  me,  and  is  ever  ready  to  destroy  my 
peace.  Many  and  strong  are  my  temptations  to  sin. 
Sometimes  I  stand  strong  ;  and  then  I  am  brought 
low.  But  this  I  can  say,  that  with  divine  help  1  will 
serve  the  Lord.  I  am  determined  to  carry  on  the  war- 
fare until  every  enemy  is  subdued." 

It  would  seem,  from  the  style  of  his  letters  about 
this  period,  that  his  reading  for  spiritual  improvement 
was  much  in  the  old  writers  of  the  seventeenth  cen- 
tury, those  noble  men,  who,  with  some  quaintness  of 
manner,  showed  a  most  intimate  acquaintance  with 
the  Bible,  a  profound  knowledge  of  the  most  secret 
workings  of  the  human  heart,  and  a  fervor  of  piety 
rarely  equalled  in  the  world.  Writing  to  a  friend, 
who  had  been  walking  in  darkness,  he  addressed  him 
in  language  certainly  derived  from  these  sources,  as 
the  following  sentences  will  show.  "  The  greatpr  the 
conquest,  the  brighter  the  crown.  Stars  shine  bright- 
est in  the  darkest  night — torches  are  better  for  beat- 
ing. Grapes  come  not  to  the  proof  till  they  come  to 
5* 


54  MEMOIR    OF 

the  press.  Spices  smell  best  when  bruised.  Youn« 
trees  root  the  faster  for  shaking  :  gold  looks  brighter 
for  scouring:  juniper  smells  sweetest  in  the  fire  :  the 
palm-tree  proves  the  better  for  pressing.  Camomile, 
the  more  you  tread  it,  the  more  you  spread  it.  Such 
is  the  condition  of  God's  dear  children:  they  are  then 
most  triumphant  when  most  tempted  5  most  glorious 
when  most  afflicted  ;  most  in  favor  with  God  when 
least  in  man's  and  least  in  their  own ;  as  their  con- 
flicts so  their  conquests  ;  as  their  tribulations  so  their 
triumphs  :  true  salamanders,  that  live  best  in  the  fur- 
nace of  persecution.  So  that  heavy  afflictions  are  the 
best  benefactors  of  heavenly  affections  5  and  where 
afflictions  hang  heaviest,  corruptions  hang  loosest ; 
and  grace  that  is  hid  in  nature,  as  sweet  water  in 
rose  leaves,  is  then  most  fragrant  when  the  fire  of  af- 
fliction is  put  under  to  distil  it  out.  Lft  us  then  be 
encouraged,  in  all  our  trials,  to  say,  'Hope  thou  in 
God,  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him.'  " 

In  the  year  1820,  on  a  day  appointed  for  humilia- 
tion, thanksgiving,  and  prayer,  he  felt  it  to  be  his  du- 
ty to  retire,  and  especially  to  note  down  topics  for 
meditation  suitable  to  the  season. 

Reasons  for  thankfulness. 

1.  That  through  the  greater  part  of  his  life  he  had 
enjoyed  good  health,  while  many  had  suffered  much 
pain  and  sickness. 

2.  That  the  necessities  of  nature  had  been  abun- 
dantly supplied,  while  many  had  pined  in  want. 

3.  Civil,  and  especially  religious  liberty.  On  this 
he  dwells  with  peculiar  interest  and  force;  contrast- 
ing our  situation  with  that  of  most  nations  of  the  earth. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLCR.  55 

4.  But  that  which  calls  for  double  thanks,  is  the 
foundation  and  preservation  of  the  church,  the  preach- 
ing of  the  Gospel,  and  the  enjoyment  of  religion  in 
its  purity. 

5.  A  very  special  reason  for  thankfulness,  is  the 
number  and  the  power  of  revivals  of  religion,  as  they 
had  occurred  during  the  preceding  year. 

6.  Next  to  this  he  places  pious  relations  and  friends. 

7.  Last,  though  not  least,  he  places  the  dispensation 
of  Providence,  which  had  carried  him  to  Lawrence- 
ville  to  study  for  the  ministry.  Great  honor  had  thus 
been  conferred  on  him,  and  heavy  responsibilities  laid 
on  him. 

This  leads  him  to  ask  what  he  had  rendered  to  the 
Lord  for  all  his  mercies.  And  this  question  suggests 
causes  for  humiliation. 

1.  Neglect  of  opportunities  of  doing  good. 

2.  Backsliding,  coldness,  formality  in  religious 
service. 

3.  The  imperfection  of  his  example  as  a  Christian. 

4.  Negligence  in  self-examination  and  closet  exer- 
cises generally. 

His  prayer  is  for  an  increase  of  true  religion,  espe- 
cially in  himself:  that  he  may  to  faith  add  virtue ;  to 
virtue  knowledge  ;  to  knowledge  temperance ;  to  tem- 
perance patience  ;  to  patience  godliness ;  to  godliness 
brotherly  kindness,  and  to  brotherly  kindness  charity. 

Thus  we  see  how  James  Brainerd  Taylor  spent  the 
first  year  of  his  preparatory  course,  in  respect  to  the 
cultivation  of  his  heart  and  the  acquirement  of  a  spirit 
suited  to  the  pulpit. 

On  the  first  day  of  January.  1S21,  he  writes  to  one 
of  his  most  valued  Christian  friends  as  follows  : 


56  MEMOIR   OP 

"  I  have  found  this  a  good  day  to  my  soul ;  and  I 
know  that  you  Avill  be  gratified  to  hear  some  of  the 
particulars.  This  morning  I  returned  home  from  a 
prayer-meeting,  which  I  conducted  last  evening,  about 
four  and  a  half  miles  from  L.  Of  this  meeting  I  will 
tell  you  more  by  and  by.  On  my  arrival  I  retired  to 
my  room,  and  found  it  good  to  spend  half  an  hour  on 
my  knees  ;  because  it  was  delightful  to  adore  and  praise 
the  greatness,  goodness,  mercy,  and  long  suffering  pa- 
tience of  God ;  it  was  good  to  have  the  privilege  of 
pouring  out  my  heart  before  him.  O  how  astonishing- 
ly condescending  is  that  great  and  fearful  One,  '  who 
inhabiteth  eternity  and  the  praises  thereof,'  that  he 
should  deign  to  visit  a  worm,  a  creature  of  a  day, 
whose  tabernacle  is  in  the  dust !  I  felt  myself  '  less 
than  the  least  of  all  his  mercies.'  But  the  Lord  does 
condescend  to  regard  those  whose  hearts  are  broken 
on  account  of  sin.  He  will  give  ear  to  their  supplica- 
tions, while  they  pour  out  their  hearts  before  him,  and 
cast  their  burdens,  however  great,  on  him.  They  are 
privileged  to  tell  him  all — guilt  and  fear,  sins  ana  sor- 
rows, cares  and  crosses,  wants  and  dangers,  weak- 
nesses and  temptations,  darkness,  ignorance,  doubts, 
anxieties,  whether  for  themselves  or  others,  the  church 
or  the  world.  I  found  it  good,  while  I  was  ready  to 
hide  ray  face  for  shame,  to  confess  my  short-comings, 
my  negligence,  my  wanderings  from  the  path  of  duty 
during  the  past  year.  I  found  it  good  to  cry  for  mercy 
to  pardon,  and  for  grace  to  help  in  time  to  come ;  good 
to  bless,  and  praise,  and  magnify  the  holy  name  of  the 
Lord,  for  his  loving-kindness  in  giving  me  a  goodly 
heritage,  and  casting  my  lot  in  pleasant  places.  I 
found  it  good  to  lay  my  necessities  before  him,  and  to 


JAMES    ERAINERD    TAYLOR.  57 

offer  my  body  a  living  sacrifice  to  him,  whose  I  am, 
by  creation,  preservation,  redemption,  and  I  hope  by 
adoption.  I  found  it  good,  and  at  this  season  peculiar- 
ly solemn,  to  dedicate  myselt,  and  all  that  I  have  and 
am,  to  his  service  and  glory,  and  resolve,  through 
grace,  to  walk  in  the  way  of  his  commandments,  and 
do  as  well  as  suffer  his  whole  will  concerning  me.  1 
found  it  good  to  plead  that  I  might  have  faiih,  hope, 
and  charity ;  that  I  might  be  crucified  unto  the  world, 
and  the  world  be  crucified  unto  me;  that  I  might  be 
delivered  in  time  of  trouble,  and  have  grace  to  over- 
come all  my  spiritual  enemies ;  that  I  might  be  hum- 
ble, ever  lying  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  looking  to 
the  Savior  as  my  sacrifice,  my  advocate  with  the  Fa- 
ther, my  prevailing  intercessor,  my  salvation ;  yea,  all 
my  salvation  and  desire  for  time  and  for  eternity. 
Yes,  I  found  it  good  to  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord ; 
and  afterwards  I  found  it  good  to  read  the  Scriptures, 
to  meditate  and  engage  in  self-examination. 

"  Part  of  the  afternoon  I  spent  in  visiting  my  ac- 
quaintances. I  called  to  see  a  daughter  of  affliction, 
one  of  whom  I  have  spoken  to  you  before.  She  has 
not,  for  eighteen  years,  been  free  from  lameness ;  and 
for  sixteen  has  been  entirely  unable  to  walk.  Yet  she 
rejgices  in  the  midst  of  all  her  sufierings,  knowing 
that  the  rod  which  is  on  her  is  not  that  of  a  tyrant,  but 
of  her  heavenly  Father,  who  afflicts,  but  not  willing- 
ly, the  children  of  men.  She  triumphs  in  the  prospect 
before  her,  and  well  she  may,  for  there  remaineth  for 
her  a  rest  beyond  the  skies.  I  found  it  good  to  be  with 
this  suffering  Christian. 

"  The  evening  has  been  spent  in  worshiping  the 
Lord,  and  in  supplicating  his  blessing  on  a  ruined 


58 


MEMOIR    or 


world.  It  was  good  to  be  there.  And  now  I  find  it 
good  to  address  my  friend  in  Christ. 

"  But  I  must  tell  you  more  of  the  meeting  which  I 
attended  last  evening.  And  I  have  good  news  for  you, 
tidings  which  have  gladdened  the  hearts  of  some  here, 
and  have  occasioned  joy  in  heaven.  In  that  neighbor- 
hood about  twenty  souls  have,  as  we  hope,  been  born 
again.  The  meeting  last  night  was  a  solemn  one — the 
attention  of  the  audience  was  fixed,  while  I  addressed 
them  for  more  than  half  an  hour.  After  singing  and 
prayer,  I  addressed  them  again.  The  meeting  then 
closed,  and  they  who  had  been  lately  brought  into  the 
kingdom  stood  around,  while  I  conversed  with  them, 
for  the  purpose  of  encouraging  them  to  be  steadfast, 
and  to  fight  manfully  the  battles  of  the  great  Captain 
of  salvation.  The  converts  are  mostly  young,  one  not 
more  than  thirteen  years  old.  The  good  work  seems 
to  be  increasing.  May  it  go  on  and  prosper,  and  spread 
all  around. 

"  Thus, ,  you  see  how  I  spent  the  last  even- 
ing of  the  old  year,  and  the  first  day  of  the  new.  May 
every  succeeding  day  and  year  find  us  ripening  for 
that  place  where  time  and  change  are  unknown — for 
a  seat  at  God's  right  hand,  where  are  pleasures  for 
evermore!  We  shall  be  satisfied,  when  we  awake  in 
his  likeness.  Pray  for  me,  that  I  may  be  humble  and 
faithful." 

"  January  7,  1821. 
"  On  asking  myself  this  evening  how  shall  I  answer 
life's  great  end,  which  is  to  glorify  God  ?  the  follow- 
ing passage  of  Scripture  came  into  my  mind  :   Titus, 
2  :  12,  '  Teaching  us,  that,  denying  ungodliness  and 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  51) 

worldly  lusts,  we  should  live  soberly,  righteously,  and 
godly,  in  this  present  world.'  O  how  much  is  com- 
prised in  this  lesson  !  It  comprises  all  branches  of  our 
duty— what  we  owe  to  ourselves,  to  our  fellow-men, 
and  to  our  Creator.  '  To  deny  ungodliness  and  world- 
ly lust,'  what  is  it  but  to  abandon  all  those  evil  courses 
which  wicked  men  are  found  in?  'To  live  soberly,' 
is  in  a  right  manner  to  govern  all  our  appetites  and 
passions.  To  live  '  righteously,'  is  to  do  to  others  as 
we  would  that  they  should  do  to  us.  And  to  live 
'  godly.'  is  to  hold  communion  with  the  Father,  and 
his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  O  !  how  fit  and  right  is  it  that 
we  should  thus  live.  It  is  a  life  such  as  this  which  is 
connected  with  'peace  in  believing,'  and  'joy  in  the 
Holy  Ghost.' 

"  You  concluded  your  last  letter  with  the  exhorta- 
tion of  the  apostle,  '  To  do  good  and  communicate, 
forget  not.'    I  add,  as  a  comment, 

'  Blest  is  "the  man  who  spends  his  day 

In  acts  of  good  to  those  around; 
His  is  the  path  which  surely  ends 
Where  all  shall  be  with  glory  crown'd.'  " 

His  deep  concern  for  the  salvation  of  his  kindred, 
and  his  endeavors  to  promote  a  more  spiritual  religion 
in  his  father's  family,  have  already  been  mentioned. 
In  May  of  this  year  he  adopted  the  expedient  of  ad- 
dressing a  letter  to  his  parents,  brothers  and  sisters, 
who  were  heads  of  families.  The  general  subject  of 
this  letter  is  the  responsibility  of  parents.  It  is  a  re- 
markable instance  of  delicate  fidelity.  The  duties  of 
the  relation  are  urged  with  great  earnestness,  and  in  a 


60  MEr.io:R  of 

manner  well  suited  to  make  any  one,  who  had  not 
taken  a  decided  stand  on  the  subject  of  religion  in  his 
family,  deeply  feel  his  deficiency.  But  in  it  there  is 
nothing  inconsistent  v/ith  the  highest  filial  reverence, 
aijd  the  respect  due  from  a  younger  to  his  elder 
brothers. 

To  the  letter  is  subjoined  a  long  postscript,  address- 
ed to  two  young  sisters  who  had  not  manifested  any 
serious  concern  for  the  salvation  of  their  souls.  It  con- 
tains a  most  solemn  and  affectionate  warning  of  their 
danger,  and  entreaties  that  they  would,  in  early  life, 
devote  themselves  Avith  all  the  heart  to  the  service  of 
their  Creator  and  Redeemer.  To  his  mother  he  Avrote 
as  folloAvs,  April  15,  1821,  the  day  he  was  twenty 
years  old  : 

'•'The  day  of  my  birth  I  hope  that  I  shall,  at  all 
times,  have  reason  to  bless  and  observe  with  thankful 
remembrance.  But  I  hope  that  I  shall  have  more  abun- 
dant reason  to  bless  and  triumph  in  the  day  of  my 
death,  because  I  trust  it  will  introduce  me  into  a  new 
and  glorious  existence. 

"  O  1  my  dear  mother,  how  much  have  I  cost  you. 
In  my  infancy,  while  hanging' on  your  breast,  I  doubt 
not  that  I  witnessed  many  a  tear  and  many  an  anx- 
ious sigh,  although  entirely  unconscious  of  your  soli- 
citude and  of  my  helplessness.  O  what  tenderness 
was  manifested  to  me !  what  care  to  rear  me  up  and 
preserve  me  from  every  ill !  How  many  sleepless  nights 
have  you  spent  on  my  account !  Did  the  thought  at 
that  period  ever  enter  your  mind,  that  you  were  train- 
ing up  a  little  immortal,  destined  to  be  a  servant  of 
the  Most  High?   Did  you  look  on  me  as  one  whom 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  61 

you  might  afterwards  hear,  as  a  herald  of  the  cross, 
bearing  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ,  preaching 
a  crucified  Savior  to  guilty  and  dying  man  ? 

"  Instead  of  indulging  such  pleasing  hopes,  perhaps 
my  fond  mother  thought  of  the  innumerable  evils  to 
which  I  might  be  exposed  in  the  slippery  paths  of 
youth  ;  or  of  the  no  less  numerous  dangers  with  which 
manhood  is  surrounded.  You  might  have  contempla- 
ted me  as  a  companion  of  those  who  wander  from  the 
ways  of  the  Lord,  and  walk  in  the  paths  of  the  de- 
stroyer. And  perhaps  in  your  maternal  fears  you  sigh- 
ed and  said,  Can  it — ah !  shall  it  ever  be — that  this 
child  will  bring  grief  to  his  father,  and  sorrow  to  the 
mother  who  bore  him  ?  Did  you  not  pray  that  God 
would  undertake  for  me,  and  avert  the  storms  to  which 
the  young  voyager  of  life  would  be  exposed  ?  He  has 
heard  your  prayers  ;  an  answer  has  been  sent;  but  not 
before  I  had  done  much  to  blast  your  hopes  and  in- 
crease your  fears.  O  !  how  kind,  how  gracious  was 
the  unseen,  but  noi  unfelt  hand,  that  turned  me  from 
my  evil  ways,  and  '  sweetly  forced  me  in.'  Well  may 
I  sing  songs  of  deliverance,  and  shout — '  a  miracle  of 


He  then  adverts  to  a  very  dangerous  attack  of  ty- 
phus fever,  which  he  had  in  his  twelfth  year,  when 
every  one  expected  that  he  would  die ;  and,  to  heighten 
his  feelings  of  filial  gratitude,  dwells  on  the  great 
kindness  of  his  mother,  in  watching  by  him  and  nurs- 
ing him  during  his  protracted  illness. 

It  seems  that  his  death  appeared  so  certain,  that 
some  kind  friend  prepared  a  shroud  for  him.  On  allud- 
ing t«  this  circumstance,  he  asks,  with  great  solemni- 

6  J.  B.  Taylor, 


(>2  MEMOIR  OP 

ty,  Mother,  "  how  were  you  exercised  when  taking 
your  last  look  at  me?  Alas  !  had  I  been  cut  down  as 
a  cumberer  of  the  ground — my  peace  was  not  then 
made  with  God — death  would  have  consigned  me  to 
the  '  blackness  of  darkness,  and  to  everlasting  despair.' 
Who  but  God  could  have  averted  the  stroke  which 
was  leveled  at  my  head? 

"  But  your  son,  who  was  once  on  the  verge  of  the 
grave,  yet  lives;  and  lives  in  the  enjoyment  of  hea- 
ven's blessing.  He  has  been  spared,  and  permitted  to 
indulge  the  hope  of  being  extensively  useful  in  the 
church.  At  least,  his  desire  is  to  spend  his  days  in 
the  cause  of  that  dear  Redeemer  who  gave  his  soul  a 
sacrifice  for  sin,  '  that  we  might  not  perish,  but  have 
everlasting  life.'  To  compensate  you  for  your  sighs 
and  tears,  your  fearful  apprehensions  and  anxieties, 
see  what  God  hath  wrought.  Out  of  our  number  it 
seems  that  he  hath  chosen  me  to  be  a  minister  of  the 
everlasting  Gospel.  May  I  be  prepared  to  labor  in  his 
vineyard  ! 

"  I  expect  to  occupy  my  present  place  for  two  years 
after  the  ensuing  fall.  I  expect  then  to  enter  college, 
so  advanced  as  to  remain  there  only  two  years.  After 
which  I  shall  go  to  the  theological  seminary  for  three 
years.  As  to  my  life  after  that,  I  can  make  no  conjec- 
ture. Only  I  can  say,  that  I  hope  to  devote  my  life  to 
tne  service  of  God,  soul,  body,  and  spirit.  Yes,  I  had 
rather  fall  a  sacrifice  to  my  labors  than  be  lukewarm 
and  dead  in  his  service.  My  whole  self  I  would  con- 
secrate to  him,  in  whatever  sphere  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest  may  see  fit  to  appoint  me  to  labor;  whether  at 
home  or  abroad,  on  the  land  or  on  the  sea. 

"  God  has  blessed  us  both,  and  been  very  kind  to 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  63 

US  in  times  past — let  us  trust  in  him  for  time  to  come. 
The  Lord  has  blessed  you,  my  mother,  in  permitting 
you  to  see  the  prospect  of  my  entering  the  ministry; 
and  he  has  blessed  you  in  your  other  children,  my  dear 
brothers  and  sisters.  May  they,  who  have  professed 
the  religion  of  Christ,  be  faithful,  and  keep  their  gar- 
ments unspotted  from  the  world.  And  may  the  rest, 
who  are  yet  far  off,  be  brought  nigh,  and  be  united 
with  us  in  the  bonds  of  an  everlasting  covenant ;  may 
the  Lord  by  his  Spirit  convince  them  of  sin,  of  righte- 
ousness, and  of  judgment,  and  make  them  heirs  of  the 
grace  of  life,  that  parents  and  children  may  all  unite 
in  anthems  of  praise  in  the  upper  sanctuary." 

The  letter  concludes  with  particular  addresses  to 
the  several  members  of  the  family,  containing  appro- 
priate and  most  earnest  exhortations. 

To  C H 

"  July  5,  1821. 

"  My  Brother, 

"  O  that  I  could,  with  the  humble  confidence  of  a 
little  child,  raise  my  voice  to  heaven,  and  with  the 
faith  of  assurance  cry,  '  Abba,  Father !  my  Father 
— my  reconciled  Father  and  portion,  in  and  through 
Jesus  Christ.  O  that  I  could  lift  up  my  heart,  hav- 
ing the  witness  of  the  Spirit,  and  say  to  Jesus,  my 
Savior  and  Redeemer  from  sin  and  death ;  my  advo- 
cate with  the  Father,  and  prevailing  intercessor;  my 
prophet,  priest,  and  king;  my  salvation  ;  my  all  in  all  i 
O  that  I  could  know  the  Holy  Spirit  to  be  my  sancti- 
fier,  guide  and  comforter !'  But,-  to  my  shame,  I  do  not 
possess  that  unshaken  confidence  which  I  want.    I  can 


64  MEMOIR  or 

indeed  say,  that  not  this  world,  nor  ten  tuousand  more, 
could  purchase  the  hope  which  I  have.  And  if  I  know 
my  own  heart,  I  do  think  that  the  desire  to  have  God 
as  my  Father,  Jesus  as  my  Savior,  and  the  Holy  Spirit 
as  my  Sanctifier,  is  predominant.  But  yet  I  feol  that 
whereas  I  ought  to  be  a  full  grown  man  in  Christ,  I 
am  only  a  babe.  To  think  that  I  have  been  now  five 
years  a  professor  of  religion,  and  have  made  so  little 
progress,  is  indeed  a  cutting  thought.  Alas,  I  feel  my- 
self to  be  far  behind  those  who  set  out  with  me  in  the 
divine  life. 

'  O  for  a  breeze,  a  heavenly  gale, 
•  To  waft  me  through  this  gloomy  vale, 
'  That  I  may  join  the  joyful  band 
'  In  Canaan's  fair  and  happy  land.' 

"  Since  our  last  separation,  my  course  has  been  va- 
ried. The  Lord  has  been  good.  I  have  had  seasons  of 
enjoyment.  Blessed  be  our  heavenly  Father,  that  I 
should  at  any  season  be  permitted  to  sip  of  the  good 
cup  by  the  Avay.  To  many  the  water  of  life  is  dealt 
out  more  bountifully.  My  unfaithfulness  and  unbelief 
hinder  the  blessing.  O  how  much  reason  have  I  to 
chide  and  upbraid  myself  for  past  offences. 

"  While  we  are  preparing  for  the  holy  ministry,  and 
looking  forward  to  it,  our  constant  desire  should  be  to 
bring  many  sons  and  daughters  into  the  kingdom :  also 
to  build  up  the  humble  believer  in  his  most  holy  faith. 
And  what  a  delightful  task  will  that  be  to  us !  While 
we  are  in  the  school  of  the  prophets,  may  the  Lord 
impart  to  us  a  right  knowledge  of  ourselves  and  of 
him — may  he  endow  us  plentifully  with  heavenly  gifts 
— convince  us  thoroughly  of  sin — give  us  true,  un- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  65 

feigned  repentance — strong  faith  in  Jesus  Christ — and 
that  zeal  and  love  which  characterize  the  humble, 
meek,  lowly,  devoted,  self-denying,  spiritual,  heaven- 
ly-minded child  of  God — and  thus  furnish  us  for  every 
good  work.  Whether  we  shall  ever  go  into  the  vine- 
yard of  our  Lord,  is  known  only  to  him.  The  harvest 
Truly  is  great,  and  the  laborers  are  few.  Should  we 
'  enter  the  field,  may  we  be  found  wise  as  serpents  and 
harmless  as  doves — baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and 
with  fire. 

"  But  I  think  that  our  views  should  not  be  altogether 
directed  to  the  end  of  our  preparatory  course.  There 
are  many  opportunities  now  of  doing  good.  The  call 
from  many  a  lowly  cottage  is,  '  Come  over  and  help 
iisP  And  we  ought  to  inquire  for  persons  to  whom 
we  may  be  useful.  If  indeed  we  feel  as  we  ought,  we 
hold  ourselves  to  be  very  small  and  unworthy.  But 
we  are  looked  upon  by  those  around  us  as  having  al- 
ready entered  on  a  ministerial  course,  and  we  have  a 
particular  character  to  sustain.  Occupying  such  a  situ- 
ation, how  necessary  it  is  that  we  should  be  circum- 
spect, and  walk  worthy  of  our  vocation. 

"A  few  days  since,  I  had  some  interesting  intelli- 
gence from  the  east.  The  good  work  appears  to  be  go- 
ing on.  Some,  whom  I  left  distressed,  have  obtained 
a  hope.  The  time  is  coming,  when  'a  nation  shall  be 
born  in  a  day.'  We  may  see  greater  things  than  our 
eyes  have  ever  yet  witnessed.  O  !  may  the  precious- 
ness  of  immortal  souls,  and  our  responsibility  to  God, 
to  ourselves,  and  to  others,  be  written  on  our  hearts, 
as  with  a  pen  of  iron  and  the  point  of  a  diamond.  And 
may  we  be  kept  very  humble,  and  very  sensible  of  our 
entire  dependence  1  Farewell." 
6* 


66  MEMOIR   OP 

To  his  sister  M— 


"  July,  ISQl. 
"  Perhaps  you  may  wish  to  know  how  I  have  em- 
ployed myself  during  the  past  session.  O  that  I  could 
tell  you  I  had  been  faithful !  But  alas  !  in  all  things  I 
come  short,  and  in  many  I  offend.  However,  I  have 
endeavored  to  do,  at  least,  a  little  for  my  Redeemer, 
by  visiting  the  people  of  this  neighborhood,  and  con- 
versing with  them  on  the  concerns  of  their  souls.  In 
several  instances  I  have  been  encouraged.  The  pray- 
er-meetings are  continued  every  other  Sabbath.  I  have 
also  been  engaged  in  several  other  places.  I  am  about 
establishing  a  Sunday  school  for  colored  people  at  the 
▼illage  where  I  hold  my  meetings.  I  hope  that  you 
are  actively  engaged  in  your  sphere.  Our  working  days 
will  soon  be  over,  and  the  consideration  ought  to  sink 
deep  into  our  hearts.  Souls  may  be  waiting  for  us  to 
be  the  means  of  their  conversion.  'Up  and  be  doing/ 
should  be  our  motto." 


To 


"  October,  1821. 
"Knowing  that  you  feel  anxious  about  your  friend, 
I  give  you  early  information  of  my  safe  arrival  in  L., 
and  of  the  improvement  of  my  health.  I  am  nearly 
well  of  my  cold — but  alas!  I  am  compelled  to  say  that 
my  heart  is  not  warm  on  a  subject  on  which  I  ought 
to  be  all  on  fire.  Pray  for  me.  that  the  Sun  of  righte- 
ousness may  arise  with  healing  in  his  beams  ;  that  my 
doubts  and  fears  may  all  be  removed ;  that  my  sorrow 
may  be  turned  into  joy.   You  know  how  painful  it  is 


JAMES    BRAIN  ERD    TAYLOR.  67 

to  be  under  a  cloud.  But,  blessed  be  the  Lord,  I  know 
that  I  do  want  more  religion,  and  that  ray  chief  desire 
is  to  be  holy.  Nothing  can  satisfy  me  but  the  eiernal 
fountain  of  life  and  light. 

'  Return,  O  holy  Dove,  return, 

'  Sweet  messenger  of  rest; 
I  hate  the  sins  that  made  thee  mourn, 
'And  drove  thee  from  my  breast.' 

"After  I  had  written  the  preceding,  (the  other  even- 
ing,) I  laid  aside  my  paper  and  took  hold  of  Clarke 
on  the  Promises,  when  I  met  with  the  following  has- 
sage:  '  The  eternal  God  is  thy  refuge,  and  underneath 
thee  are  the  everlasting  arms.  He  shall  drive  out  the 
enemy  before  thee;  and  shall  say,  Destroy  them.' 
From  this  I  derived  some  encouragement.  I  have  since 
found  it  good  to  wait  on  the  Lord ;  and  feei  strength- 
ened to  persevere.  Pray  for  me,  that  I  may  holdfast, 
and  hold  on  to  the  end. 

"  December  8.— I  have  reason  to  praise  the  Lord 
for  his  goodness  to  my  soul  since  1  wrote  the  forego- 
ing. Last  Monday  night  particularly  was  a  season  of 
enjoyment  to  me.  I  enjoyed  a  delightful  '  time  of  re- 
freshing from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.'  It  was  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.  I  trust  that  I  have  not  lost 
the  blessed  Savior  yet.  The  world  and  all  its  enjoy- 
ments appeared,  and  do  still  appear  diminutive  and 
transitory.  I  felt,  and  still  feel  determined,  the  Lord 
helpmg  me,  to  live  nearer  to  him—'  O  for  grace  to 
.  ove  him  more.' " 


MEMOIR   OP 
To  C 


^'  LMwrencevlUc,  Dec.  1.  1821. 

"  Since  I  wrote  last,  I  have  made  quite  a  tour  through 
Connecticut.  The  occasion  was  this.  While  going  to 
New-York  at  the  commencement  of  our  vacation,  on 
board  the  steam-boat  between  New-Brunswick  and  the 
city,  I  fell  in  with  Major  Ridge,  an  Indian  chief,  of 
the  Cherokee  tribe.  My  becoming  acquainted  with 
him  seemed  providential.  I  saw  his  credentials,  which 
were  very  satisfactory,  from  our  missionaries — and 
finding  him  a  stranger  in  a  strange  land,  without  a 
guide,  I  offered  to  him  my  friendship.  With  this  he 
seemed  to  "be  highly  gratified.  I  conversed  with  him 
as  much  as  I  could  about  his  country  and  its  produc- 
tions ;  about  the  missionaries,  schools,  &c.  among  the 
Cherokees.  This  rendered  our  trip  very  agreeable.  I 
was  particularly  pleased  to  have  beside  me,  from  the 
wilderness,  one  of  those  for  whom  so  much  exertion 
had  been  made. 

"On  our  arrival  in  New-York^  I  conducted  Major 
Ridge  to  my  brother's,  where  the  family  immediately 
became  interested  in  him. 

"  On  Sunday  he  attended  church  and  prayer-meet- 
ing. In  the  evening  I  concluded  to  accompany  him  to> 
Cornwall,  where  he  had  a  son  at  school.  Accordingly 
on  Monday  morning  we  set  out  for  New-Haven, 
where  we  tarried  for  the  night.  On  Tuesday  we  went 
to  Litchfield.  The  country  is  beautifully  diversified 
with  hill  and  dale.  I  passed  through  the  place  where 
Mr.  Newton  formerly  resided,  who  went  with  the  last 
mission  family  to  the  Osages. 

"  I  found  Litchfield  a  beautiful  place,  situated  on  a 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  69 

commanding  eminence,  from  which  one  may  look  over  a 
very  line  range  of  country.   There  I  saw  Mr.  Nettleton. 

"  On  Wednesday  we  arrived  at  Cornwall.  It  is  a 
small  village  on  a  plain  surrounded  with  mountains. 
But  to  return  to  my  companion.  He  manifested  very 
great  pleasure  in  meeting  his  son.  Both  parental  and 
filial  affection  were  strongly  displayed.  Tears  stole 
gently  down  the  cheeks  of  both  father  and  son  ;  so  that 
for  some  time  they  were  incapable  of  much  conversa- 
tion. When  they  had  become  more  composed,  the  fa- 
ther, through  his  son,  began,  apparently  with  much 
feeling,  to  express  his  gratitude  for  my  unexpected  at- 
tention. During  the  afternoon  I  had  an  interview 
with  the  son.  He  is  nearly  of  my  size,  about  eighteen 
years  of  age,  possesses  an  intelligent  mind,  uses  good 
language,  and  exhibits  refined  manners.  He  has  been 
nearly  three  years  at  Cornwall,  and  has  made  rapid 
progress.  He  is  regarded  as  a  youth  of  first  rate  ta- 
lents. But  he  appeared  quite  a  stranger  to  his  own 
heart. 

"  In  the  evening  I  attended  a  conference  meeting 
conducted  by  the  young  men,  and  heard  some  of  the 
heathen  youth  speak  and  pray  !  David  Brown  is  par- 
ticularly interesting. 

"Next  day  I  had  an  interview  with  .Major  Ridge 
just  before  I  left  him.  Mr.  Brown  was  my  interpreter. 
At  the  close,  the  Major  gave  me  the  assurance  that  he 
would  hereafter  give  his  ichole  mind  to  the  subject  of 
religion.  His  wife  has  become  a  member  of  the  church 
in  the  wilderness,  and  he  is  desirous  of  becoming  a 
member  too. 

"  I  left  Cornwall  on  Thursday.  Mr.  Brown  accom- 
panied me  as  far  as  the  burying  ground,  to  view  the 


70  MEMOIR 

Stone  erected  to  the  memory  of  Henry  Obookiah. 
Many  pleasing  and  many  painful  ideas  are  associated 
with  that  place.  It  was  there  David  Brown  and  I  said 
farewell,  and  parted. 

"  It  will  be  glad  tidings  to  you  to  hear  that  ray  bro- 
ther F.  is  expecting  to  study  for  the  ministry.  I  have 
some  hope  that  he  Avill  be  with  me  soon.  Is  not  this 
the  Lord's  doing  ?  May  it  prove  to  be  so  !" 

The  following  is  from  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  H — , 
an  aged  clergyman,  with  whom  he  was  in  habits  of 
friendly  intercourse,  and  in  whose  family  he  was  inti- 
mately acquainted : 

"  Is  it  well  with  your  youngest  daughter  ;  I  mean,  is 
she  now  rejoicing  in  that  '  hope  which  maketh  not 
ashamed,  because  of  the  love  of  Christ  shed  abroad  in 
the  heart,  through  the  Holy  Spirit  given  unto  her  V 
Such  seemed  to  be  her  case  when  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  her.  And  if  it  be  really  so,  you  are  ready, 
no  doubt,  to  bless  the  great  Redeemer  for  his  grace  in 
thus  visiting  your  house  in  the  decline  of  life.  May- 
she  grow  daily  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our 
Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ !  She  has  been  the 
child  of  many  prayers  :  may  she  love  to  pray,  not  only 
for  herself,  but  also  for  others — may  I  not  add,  for  me 
too,  that  the  Lord  would  make  me  holy  in  heart  and 
in  life,  to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace  I 

"  But  when  I  was  with  you,  your  eldest  daughter 
could  not  see  that  she  had  passed  the  line  which  se- 
parates Christians  from  the  world.  May  I  not  hope 
that  ere  this  she  has  submitted  herself  to  Christ  ?  If 
so,  how  blessed  the  change  !  a  change  which  has  not 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  71 

only  imparted  peace  to  her  own  soul,  and  gladness  to 
her  parents  and  christian  friends,  but  joy  to  the  an- 
gels in  heaven.  She  has  had  to  record  one  of  the  hap- 
piest events  in  the  annals  of  her  pilgrimage — it  is  an 
era  in  her  existence,  on  which  she  will  reflect  with 
peculiar  pleasure  and  gratitude,  not  only  in  time,  but 
through  eternity.  O  that  I  could  know  that  it  is  thus 
well  with  her.  But  if,  indeed,  she  has  made  no  pro- 
gress ;  if  she  has  not  yet '  apprehended  Christ  Jesus '  as 
her  Savior,  and  found  him  the  'chief  among  ten  thou- 
sand,' I  would  ask  her,  why  is  it  so  ?  '  Is  there  no 
balm  in  Gilead  ;'  '  is  there  no  physician  there  V  Has 
not  the  Father  called  you  ?  does  not  Jesus  invite  you 
by  his  life  of  toil,  by  his  agony  in  the  garden  and  on 
the  cross,  by  his  death  And  burial,  by  his  resurrection 
and  glorious  ascension  ?  And  now,  being  exalted  as  a 
prince  and  a  Savior,  is  not  his  kind  and  winning  lan- 
guage addressed  to  you,  '  Come  unto  me  V  All  hea- 
ven appears  to  be  engaged  to  secure  the  salvation  of 
returning  sinners.  You  have  been  alarmed  by  feeling 
that  you  were  in  the  city  of  destruction  ;  O  stay  not  in 
all  the  plain,  lest  thou  be  consumed,  but  fly  to  the  re- 
fuge provided  for  sinners  by  the  sinner's  Friend.  Your 
best  interests  call  for  it — the  prayers,  anxieties,  and 
tears  of  your  parents  call  for  it.  As  you  love  your 
soul ;  as  you  value  your  everlasting  all ;  as  you  ever 
hope  to  meet  God  in  peace,  and  dwell  for  ever  in  hea- 
ven, do  it.  O !  do  it ! — May  the  Lord  have  you  all  in 
his  holy  keeping  !" 


72  MEMOIR   OP 

To  his  Parents. 

«.  L ,  December,  1821. 

"Beloved  Parouts, 

"  When  I  call  to  mind  that  you  have  not  heard  from 
me  since  I  left  New-York,  I  feel  that  I  have  not  mani- 
fested that  love  for  you  that  I  ought.  But  you  will 
excuse  me,  while  I  assure  you  that  I  find  my  affection 
for  you  increasing  instead  of  diminishing.  You  know, 
my  dear  father  and  mother,  that  nearly  two  years 
have  elapsed  since  I  arrived  at  ihis  place  to  begin  my 
studies.  How  rapid  has  been  their  progress  !  I  feel 
disposed  to  rejoice  rather  than  to  mourn  that  the  time 
has  sped  its  flight.  I  look  upon  them  as  two  years  of 
preparation  for  that  office  which  I  anticipate  with 
pleasure.  And  the  faster  our  years  fly,  the  better,  if 
God  be  our  Father,  Jesus  our  Savior,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit  our  Sanctifier  ;  for  the  sooner  shall  we  be  waft- 
ed over  life's  tempestuous  sea,  and  the  sooner  shall 
we  reach  the  wished  for  haven.  Glory  to  our  heaven- 
ly Benefactor,  for  devising  the  plan  of  salvation  I  Glo- 
ry to  our  Redeemer,  who  accomplished  the  mighty 
work !  And  glory  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  applies  it 
to  our  hearts  and  consciences  !  Everlasting  thanks  to 
our  God,  if  we  have  been  made  partakers  of  the  grace 
of  life  ;  if  we  are  his  sons  and  daughters  !  Surely  it 
lias  been  a  work  of  his  own  on  our  hearts,  and  we 
ought  to  praise  him.  He  is  worthy  of  our  highest 
homage  and  best  services.  Then  let  us  spend  the  re- 
maining days  of  our  pilgrimage  to  his  honor ;  that  »<?o, 
when  we  are  done  with  earthly  things,  an  abundaiiC 
entrance  may  be  administered  unto  us  into  the  ever- 
lasting kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ. 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  73 

*^  What  distinguishing  mercy  has  been  displayed  to 
oui-  family  !  But  to  me  in  particular — to  me  in  parti' 
cular  ;  and  you  may  well  wonder  at  and  admire  that 
divine  grace  which  '  sweetly  forced  me  in.'  Once  I 
was  a  child  of  many  anxieties,  and  the  occasion  of 
many  sorrows.  I  feel  that  in  my  childhood  I  often 
caused  you  to  suffer  much  pain  on  my  account.  But 
all  was  parental  tenderness  and  affecti&n  on  your  part. 

0  forgive  me  the  follies  of  my  youthful  days,  my 
obstinacy,  self-will,  disobedience,  and  rebellion.  I 
know  that  you  have  forgiven  me ;  but  I  cannot  forgive 
myself.  No  !  my  ingratitude  to  you,  the  kindest  and 
best  of  parents,  is  a  reproach  to  me.  May  God  for- 
give me — yea,  I  trust  he  has  forgiven  me,  wherein  I 
have  been  guilty  in  breaking  this  his  command,  '  Ho- 
nor thy  father  and  thy  mother.' 

"  Once  my  home  was  under  your  roof— once  I  sat 
at  your  table — once  I  enjoyed  the  society  of  your  fa- 
mily circle — and  once  I  could  call  to  you  by  the  en- 
dearing appellation  of  father  and  mother.  But  now  I 
am  far  aAvay.  My  home,  my  table,  my  society,  are 
among  strangers.  They,  however,  are  my  friends  , 
this  I  am  persuaded  is  of  the  Lord's  kindness.  And 
as  he  has  been  good  to  me  in  times  past,  I  can  trust 
him  in  time  to  come. 

'-  Did  not  the  Lord,  when  he  gave  me  to  you,  say, 
*  Take  this  child  and  nurse  him  for  me,  and  I  will 
give  thee  thy  wages.'  For  all  your  goodness  to  me, 
may  heaven's  best  blessings  rest  upon  you.   And  may 

1  be  an  honor  to  my  father,  and  to  the  mother  who 
bore  me ! — may  I  glorify  my  heavenly  Father,  and  be 
made  a  blessing  to  society  !  O  may  I  not  live  a  cipher 

7  J.  B.  Taylor. 


74  MEMOIR   OF 

in  this  world,  but  be  made  extensively  useful.  For  this, 
let  me  ask  your  continual,  earnest,  united  prayers." 

The  above  extracts  from  Mr.  Taylor's  letters  show, 
it  is  thought,  very  distinctly  an  increase  in  his  piety 
and  in  his  religious  enjoyments.  He  appears  to  be 
gradually  raising  higher  his  standard  of  ministerial 
holiness  and  usefulness,  and  making  progress  in  real, 
decided,  heart-felt  religion. 


CHAPTER  III. 


Completion  of  his  course  in  the  Academy. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1822,  we  find,  in  a  letter  to  a 
valued  and  confidential  Christian  friend,  a  brief  state- 
ment of  his  religious  views  at  that  period. 

"  The  last  time  I  wrote,  you  recollect  the  state  of 
my  mind.  Since  then,  the  Lord  has  been  better  than 
my  expectations.  I  have  had  some  precious  seasons. 
I  have  known  what  it  is  to  hold  communion  with  my 
heavenly  Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
through  the  Eternal  Spirit.  My  closet  duties  have  af- 
forded my  highest  enjoyments  ;  not  always,  indeed, 
equally  great,  but  generally  delightful. 

"  During  this  year  may  I,  and  n^ay  you,  be  more 
than  ever  engaged  in  the  Lord's  service.  I  am  desi- 
rous to  spend  and  be  spent  for  him— to  live  the  life  of 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  75 

the  righteous.  But  we  may  not  live  to  see  its  close. 
This  morning  I  was  meditating  on  the  words  in  Matt. 
26  :  18,  My  time  is  at  hand;  and  I  thought  that  if  it 
should  be  the  Lord's  will  to  take  me  to  himself  this 
year,  yea,  even  this  day,  I  should  rejoice  at  my  de- 
parture. The  grave  seemed  to  lose  its  terrors — hea- 
ven and  its  glories  appeared  to  be  in  sight — my  soul 
was  joyful.  O  to  live  religion — to  have  heaven  in 
view,  the  love  of  God  in  the  heart,  the  world,  the  flesh 
and  the  devil  under  one's  feet !  Then,  come  life, 
come  death,  all,  all  will  be  well. 

"  O  my  friend,  I  am  tired  of  living  by  halves.  God 
says,  '  Son,  give  me  thy  heart.'  I  answer,  O  for  an 
entire  surrender — I  long  for  complete  deliverance  from 
remaining  corruption  ;  for  sanctification  in  soul,  body, 
and  spirit ;  for  that  perfect  love  which  casteth  out  all 
fear — and  until  I  attain  this,  I  shall  feel  that  I  shall 
be  unfit  to  be  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ." 

It  deserves  to  be  noticed,  that  our  young  friend  was, 
in  a  remarkable  degree,  exempt  from  sectarian  feelings. 
Among  other  tokens  of  enlarged  and  liberal  feeling,  it 
may  be  mentioned  that  he  had  correspondence  with 
students  of  theology  and  private  members  of  several 
religious  denominations,  and  that  the  interchange  of 
fraternal  affection  and  christian  exhortation  was  cha- 
racterized by  perfect  confidence  and  entire  freedom. 
This  is  what  we  may  expect,  when  professors  of 
Christianity  have  the  spirit  of  their  religion.  It  is 
truly  a  religion  of  love,  which  embraces  all,  of  every 
name,  Avho  show  themselves  to  be  true  disciples  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

From  a   letter  of  Major  Ridge,  dated,  "  Cherokee 


76  MEMOIR  or 

Nation,  Feb.  19,  1822,"  it  appears  that  Mr.  Taylor 
had  written  him,  and  that  his  kindness  and  christian 
faithfulness  had  deeply  impressed  his  heart. 

"  Dear  friend,  (he  says,)  we  were  made  acquainted 
by  a  kind  Providence,  and  I  hope  I  shall  never  forget 
all  your  kindness  to  me.  When  I  think  of  New-York, 
it  seems  near,  and  I  feel  almost  as  if  there.  When  I 
went  there  I  was  a  stranger,  and  you  were  so  kind  asC 
to  be  my  guide  and  assistant  to  the  place  where  my 
son  was,  for  which  I  am  under  great  obligations  of 
gratitude.  You  not  only  rendered  me  all  necessary 
assistance  on  the  way,  but  when  we  arrived  at  Corn- 
wall, you  was  so  kind  as  to  converse  with  me  on  the 
subject  of  religion.  What  you  told  me  I  ought  to  do, 
I  am  now  fully  determined  to  do.  I  think  I  can  say 
now  that  I  do  seek  the  Savior ;  but  I  do  not  find  him. 
I  hope  the  Lord  will  hear  my  prayers,  and  enable  me 
to  find  the  right  way.  I  thank  you  for,  and  rejoice  to 
think  of  what  you  told  me.  I  also  rejoice  that  the 
missionaries  here  tell  me  the  same  ;  and  that  there 
are  some,  even  in  this  land,  who  care  for  my  soul.* 

Another  extract  of  a  letter  addressed  to  Mr.  Taylor, 
Feb.  25,  1822,  by  one  to  whom  he  had  been  useful  in 
an  excursion  during  vacation,  will  give  the  reader 
some  idea  of  the  active  zeal  of  this  young  Christian. 

"  On  looking  back  on  my  life,  and  recalling  past 
scenes,  I  remember  with  humility,  with  love  and  ado- 
ration, the  occurrences  of  the  past  year.  I  adore  the 
riches  of  that  grace  which,  I  hope,  plucked  me  as  a 
brand  from  everlasting  burnings.  To  you,  my  friend, 
I  feel  peculiarly  grateful ;  and  as  long  as  I  live,  I  shall 


JAMES    BKAINERD    TAYLOR.  77 

remember  your  faithful  admonitions  and  prayers.  I 
have  reason  every  day  to  adore  and  praise  that  Provi- 
dence which  directed  you  in  my  way,  and  made  you 
an  instrument  of  doing  much  good  to  my  soul.  When 
I  first  saw  you  I  was  where  I  had  been  for  years.  I 
knew  that  I  was  a  sinner;  that  my  situation  was 
wretched  ;  and  that  remaining  where  I  was,  I  must  pe- 
rish. But  yet  I  made  no  exertions  to  escape.  I  was 
waiting  for  the  irresistible  influences  of  the  Spirit, 
with  the  excuse  that  I  could  do  nothing  myself.  You 
were  employed  by  an  overruling  hand  to  rouse  me 
from  this  state  of  awful  stupidity  and  sin.  Your  words 
went  like  daggers  to  my  guilty  conscience,  and 
wrought  that  conviction  in  my  soul  which  I  had 
never  experienced  before.  It  is  needless  for  me  to  tell 
you  what  I  then  felt,  as  you  were  a  witness  to  part  of 
my  anxiety  and  distress.  You  also  saw  the  change 
which  took  place  in  my  feelings.  O  happy  seasons  of 
delight — how  I  love  to  call  them  to  remembrance ! 
The  Lord  has  not  only  been  kind  to  me,  but  has  ex- 
tended his  mercy  to  my  beloved  companion ;  and 
while  we  deserved  nothing  but  Vv^rath,  has  made  us,  as 
we  hope  children  of  his  grace  and  heirs  of  everlast- 
ing life." 

It  would  be  easy  to  give  many  similar  passages 
from  other  letters,  showing  that  this  young  academi- 
cal student  was  made,  to  a  surprising  extent,  useful  in 
bringing  sinners  to  a  knowledge  of  their  condition,  and 
conducting  them  to  Jesus  Christ  as  their  Savior. 

It  is  apparent  from  the  following  letter  to  his  friend 

H ,  that  his  mind  was  at  the  same  time  intent  on 

his  own  preparation  for  the  ministry  ;  and  that  v/hile 
7* 


78  MEMOIR   OF 

he  wished  to  possess  all  the  intellectual  qualiiScations 
required,  his  first  object  was  to  make  eminent  attain- 
ments in  holiness. 

"  March  9,  1822. 

"You  no  doubt  rejoice  with  me  that  our  friend  C, 
and  my  brother  F.  have  given  themselves  up  for  the 
work  of  the  holy  ministry.  O,  my  brother,  what  a 
gracious  Providence  it  is  that  calls  so  many  young 
men  from  mercantile  business  to  labor  in  the  vineyard 
of  our  Lord.  More  than  all,  I  wonder  that  I  should  be 
counted  worthy  to  do  any  thing  in  the  glorious  work 
of  salvation.  How  astonishing  !  '  How  condescending 
and  how  kind  !'  How  signal  was  my  escape  !  When 
every  thing  indicated  that  my  situation  was  fixed  for 
life,  and  that  I  should  have  to  spend  my  days  in  buy- 
ing and  selling,  a  kind  Providence  opened  a  way  for 
me  to  enter  upon  my  studies.  You  know  what  were 
my  difficulties.  I  cannot,  with  the  certainty  I  wish, 
say  that  I  have  been,  and  yet  I  dare  not  say  that  I 
have  not  been  called  of  heaven— ?20,  /  dare  not.  But, 
would  I 'look  back?'  No,  verily.  I  desire  to  be  a 
minister  of  the  Gospel  above  and  before  all  earthly 
things.  My  mind-  is  bent  on  it,  with  the  most  earnest 
wish  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  the  Lord's  service.  How 
else  could  I  be  happy  ? 

"  The  work  of  the  holy  ministry  is,  we  hope  and 
trust,  before  us.  No  doubt  you  have  dwelt,  as  I  have, 
on  the  necessary  work  of  preparation  with  fear  and 
much  trembling,  yet  with  satisfaction  and  joy.  But 
yet  it  can  never  be  amiss  for  us  to  stir  up  each  other's 
minds  by  way  of  remembrance. 

"  That  a  minister  of  the  Crospel  should  be  a  con- 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  79 

verted  man,  is  too  plain,  and  commonly  believed,  for 
me  to  insist  on.  He  must  be  born  from  above — be  cre- 
ated in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works — have  his  name 
written  in  heaven.  Thither,  when  going  out  and  com- 
ing in,  at  home  and  abroad,  he  should  direct  his  affec- 
tions and  desires,  his  whole  walk  and  conversation: 
there  should  he  lay  up  his  treasures,  and  look  to  hea- 
ven as  his  eternal  home.  Nothing  can  be  more  unbe- 
coming in  one  who  ministers  in  holy  things,  than 
worldly-mindedness.  May  God,  of  his  infinite  mercy, 
make  us  peculiarly  humble  ;  and  fit  us  to  bear  the  ves- 
sels of  the  Lord,  by  imparting  to  us  much  of  Enoch's 
spirit. 

'•A  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  ought  to  be  thoroughly 
furnished  for  his  work.  It  need  not  be  splendid  furni- 
ture, to  attract  admiration  ;  but  solid,  substantial,  and 
fit  for  use.  We  must  seek  it  in  the  store-house  of  grace. 
There  is  enough  treasured  up  in  Christ — may  we  re- 
ceive from  his  fullness  !  Let  us  make  our  Bibles  our 
text  books. 

"  But  the  preacher  must  have  a  call  from  the  great 
Head  of  the  church,  whose  prerogative  it  is  to  raise 
up,  qualify,  and  send  forth  laborers.  Alas  !  how  mise- 
rable must  that  man  be,  who  preaches  when  he  is  not 
sent.  None  of  the  truths  which  he  utters — none  of  the 
warnings  which  he  gives,  but  reverberate,  '  Physi- 
cian, heal  thyself  J  O  may  you  and  I  have  our  com- 
missions from  Christ,  to  go  into  the  world  and  preach 
his  Gospel.  May  we  receive  an  unction  from  the 
Holy  One ;  be  set  apart  by  the  great  High  Priest  of 
our  profession;  be  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
with  the  fire  of  divine  love-— love  supreme  towards 
God,    ardent   towards  our  brethren,   and    universal 


80  MEMOIR    OF 

towards  perishing  sinners.  May  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  rest  on  our  hearts  as  a  spirit  of  prayer,  a  spirit 
of  conversation,  a  spirit  of  exhortation,  a  spirit  of 
preaching.  Then,  setting  up  our  banner  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  we  shall  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil, 
and  advance  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom. 

"A  minister  has  great  need  to  look  well  to  all  his 
motives.  Does  he  work  for  filthy  lucre's  sake  ?  then 
he  cannot  prosper.  Does  he  seek  the  honor  that 
Cometh  from  men,  and  not  that  which  cometh  from 
God  only?  then  leanness  and  barrenness  will  rest  on 
his  heart,  life,  preaching,  and  conversation.  O  may 
we  enter  the  work  to  win  souls  to  Christ,  and  have, 
as  our  great  motive,  the  honor  of  our  blessed  Redeem- 
er. May  we  forget  every  thing  about  ourselves  but 
our  responsibility,  the  shortness  of  our  lives,  our  final 
account,  and  our  eternal  state;  and  may  we  always 
remember  that  many,  many  souls,  in  their  eternal  in- 
terests, depend  on  our  faithfulness.  May  God  make 
us  faithful. 

"  The  greatness  of  this  work  should  rest  like  a 
heavy  vv'eight  on  our  minds.  O  !  it  is  a  work  for  eter- 
nity. The  mischiefs  of  unfaithfulness  here  can  never 
be  repaired.  To  fail  here,  is  to  fail  for  ever.  If  souls 
are  lost  through  our  neglect,  they  are  murdered.  May 
we,  with  our  might,  do  all  for  God.  O  !  to  be  devoted 
servants  of  his,  and  workmen  that  need  not  be  asham- 
ed. Then,  when  we  come  to  give  an  account  of  our 
stewardship,  we  shall  have  joy  and  not  grief. 

"Ministers,  of  all  others,  should  be  holy  men; 
Christians  every  where,  and  no  common  Christians  ; 
always  setting  an  example  for  the  flock  to  imitate. 


JAMLS    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  81 

O  for  perfect  love,  for  complete  sanctification  for  the 
office  which  awaits  us  1" 

It  will  be  seen  by  all  who  read  the  preceding  lines, 
that  James  B.  Taylor  was  by  no  means  satisfied 
with  his  religious  attainments.  His  daily  and  most 
earnest  prayer  was  for  higher  and  holier  zeal,  and 
more  fervent  love.  He  was  fully  persuaded  that  a 
Christian,  in  the  use  of  the  appointed  means,  might 
make  continual  progress  in  the  divine  life,  and  ad- 
vance far  beyond  his  Christian  stature.  And  this  high 
attainment  was  the  object  of  his  continual  desire. 

His  repeated  declarations  show,  that  from  the  time 
he  made  a  public  profession  of  religion  until  the  year 
1822,  he  longed  for,  and  with  much  earnestness  sought 
clearer  manifestations  of  the  divine  favor,  and  greater 
conformity  to  the  divine  will.  He  was  under  the  abid- 
ing feeling  that,  without  higher  attainments  in  holi- 
ness, he  never  could  enter  the  ministry.  During  the 
spring  vacation  of  1822  he  visited  his  parents,  and,  as 
it  would  seem,  resolved  to  consecrate  this  time  of  re- 
laxation from  study  to  the  special  object  of  seeking 
such  an  increase  of  religion  as  would  relieve  him 
from  many  doubts  which  harassed  his  mind.  It  was 
his  privilege  at  this  period  to  enjoy  the  society  of 
some  relatives,  who,  according  to  his  account,  were 
persons  of  very  distinguished  zeal  and  piety.  He 
made  much  use  of  their  conversation  and  prayers,  as 
well  as  of  other  means  for  the  accomplishment  of  his 
object.  All  his  subsequent  papers  refer  to  the  tioenty- 
third  of  April,  in  this  year,  as  the  most  important  era 
in  his  Christian  life.  He  then  gave  himself  up  to 
Christ  with  a  strength  ofpiirpose,  a  depth  of  feeling. 


82  MEMOIR    OP 

and  an  unreservedness  of  which  he  had  never  before 
been  conscious.  And  he  was  made  to  partake  of  peace, 
of  joy,  of  rapture,  such  as  he  had  never  experienced. 
It  was  a  great  revival  of  religion  in  his  heart.  He 
knew  something  of  that  "  hope  which  maketh  not 
ashamed;"  of  that  "perfect  love  which  casteth  out 
fear;"  of  that  joy  which  is  unspeakable  and  full  of 
glory.  In  a  great  number  of  letters  written  about 
this  time,  and  years  afterwards,  he  dwells  on  this  sea- 
son and  its  blessings.  The  fullest  account,  however, 
of  the  whole  case,  is  given  in  a  letter,  dated  May, 
1823,  which  is  here  introduced,  as  the  event  recorded 
had  a  very  strong  bearing  on  his  religious  character 
and  his  whole  future  conduct. 

"  Lawrejiceville,  May  11,  1823. 

"This  is  the  Lord's  day  morning;  and  it  comes  to 
me  a  welcome  Sabbath.  I  awoke  with  the  sensible 
presence  of  the  Savior.  How  delightful  the  presence 
of  Jesus  !  It  is  he  who  makes  us  happy.  Take  him 
from  the  soul,  and  the  sinner's  hope  of  pardon  is  gone 
— take  him  from  the  Christian,  and  his  peace  is  gone. 
If  he  is  not  with  the  believer  in  the  swellings  of  Jor- 
dan, he  has  no  rod  and  staff  to  support  him — take  him 
from  heaven,  and  it  is  no  place  of  bliss.  Truly,  Jesus 
Christ  is  all  in  all. 

"  This  day  brings  with  it  a  privilege  of  no  ordinary 
kind.  It  is  that  of  witnessing  the  good  profession  of 
the  church  in  this  village,  and  of  testifying  to  the 
world  that  I  am  on  the  Lord's  side.  Once  more  I  am 
called  to  sit  at  the  table  of  the  Lord  Jesus  and  cele- 
brate his  dying  love — may  I  do  it  in  remembrance  of 
him,  penitently,  humbly,  with  faith,  with  love,  with 


JAMES  BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  83 

peace,  with  joy  !  I  would  remember  him  as  the  man 
who  is  Jehovah's  fellow,  (Zech.  13  :  7,)  set  up  from 
everlasting — I  would  remember  him  as  the  promised 
seed,  who  should  bruise  the  serpent's  head — as  the 
looked  for  Shiloh— as  the  Messiah  foretold  by  the 
prophets.  I  would  remember  him  as  already  come — 
the  babe  of  Bethlehem — the  man  of  sorrows— the  des- 
pised Nazarene — the  friend  of  publicans  and  sinners. 
I  would  remember  him  as  voluntarily  humbling  him- 
self, and  although  rich,  for  our  sakes  becoming  poor, 
that  we  through  his  poverty  might  be  made  rich.  I 
would  remember  him  in  the  garden  in  his  agony — 
before  an  earthly  tribunal,  though  Judge  of  all  the 
earth — on  the  cross,  thirsting,  bleeding,  groaning,  dy- 
ing, although  he  is  the  Lord  of  life  and  glory.  I 
would  remember  him  in  the  grave,  in  his  resurrection, 
and  in  his  various  manifestations  to  his  disciples.  In 
a  word,  I  would  remember  him  as  delivered  for  our  of- 
fences, and  raised  again  for  our  justification. 

"  What  an  honor,  to  have  a  name  and  a  place  among 
his  people  here  below.  But  what  is  a  name  and  a  place, 
if  we  are  destitute  of  tlie  badge  of  true  discipleship  ? 
I  mean  the  badge  of  love — supreme  love  to  God,  U7ii- 
versal  love  to  men. 

"  But  I  would  remember  the  forbearance  and  mercy 
of  him  whose  name  is  love.  I  would  never  forget 
that  fourteen  years  of  my  life  were  spent  in  folly  and 
in  sin,  and  yet  I  was  not  cut  down  as  a  cumberer  of 
the  Lord's  vineyard ;  that  by  the  Holy  Spirit  I  was 
convinced  of  sin  and  converted.  I  would  remember 
Jesus  as  my  best  friend,  in  the  midst  of  temptations, 
trials,  and  afflictions — as  him  who  has  not  only  per- 
mitted me  to  taste  of  his  grace,  but  has  filled  me  with 


S4  MEMOIR  OP 

his  *  perfect  love,'  which  '  casteth  out  fear,'  save  the 
filial  fear  of  offending  ray  Father.  I  would  indeed  re- 
member him  as  my  Lord,  my  portion,  and  my  all. 

"  The  Lord  has  often  ijiade  himself  known  to  me 
in  the  breaking  of  bread,  particularly  during  the  las 
year.  My  soul  has,  indeed,  been  richly  fed  at  the 
communion  table.  The  intercourse  between  my  heart 
and  heaven  has  been  frequent  and  full.  Jesus  has 
been  exceedingly  precious.  May  I  find  the  tabernacle 
of  the  Lord  of  hosts  '  amiable '  this  day  because  of  his 
presence  ;  may  the  banner  of  Jesus  over  me  be  love  ; 
and  may  his  food  be  sweet  to  my  taste  !  Then  shall  I 
sit  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty ;  my  spiritual 
strength  will  be  renewed  ;  and  I  shall  be  happy  in  the 
Lord  my  Savior. 

"  I  reperused  with  interest  a  letter  received  from 
you  in  1819.  Among  other  things  contained  in  it,  I 
found  the  following : — '  It  is  thought  by  some  pious 
persons,  that  the  course  of  study  usually  pursued  in 
the  present  day,  by  candidates  for  the  ministry,  is  cal- 
culated to  abate  that  fervor  in  religion  which  is  so 
desirable.'  However  this  may  have  appeared  to  the 
observation  of  others,  I  have  not  discovered  it  to  be 
the  case  in  many  instances.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  to 
be  hoped  that  young  men,  in  a  course  of  preparation 
for  the  sacred  office,  grow  in  grace  as  they  advance 
in  knowledge.  Surely,  if  they  do  not,  they  will  have 
occasion  to  accuse  themselves  of  base  ingratitude  and 
very  culpable  negligence.  That  some  are  thus  wo- 
fuUy  remiss  cannot  be  doubted.  In  the  words  of  your 
correspondent,  as  quoted,  they  become,  in  the  course 
of  their  education,  '  very  difierent  men,  with  a  very 


JAME3    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  85 

different  kind  of  piety ;  and  time  must  show  whether 
It  is  better  or  worse.' 

"But  thanks,  everlasting  thanks  to  the  great  Head 
of  the  church,  that  he  has  not  suffered  my  graces  to 
languish  and  die.  It  is  to  his  rich  grace  that  I  owe  it 
all.  He  has  done  great  and  wonderful  things  for  me 
since  I  commenced  studying  for  the  ministry.  Shall 
I  tell  you  ?  My  tongue  could  not,  much  less  can  my 
pen  express  the  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord  to  me, 
who  am  less  than  the  least  of  all  his  mercies.  '  Eter- 
nity is  too  short  to  utter  all  his  praise.'  But  I  may  tell 
you  some  of  the  merciful  dealings  of  the  Lord  to  my 
soul. 

"You  will  doubtless  recollect  how  often  I  have 
complained  to  you  of  the  littleness  of  my  attainments 
in  the  divine  life  ;  how  much  of  sin  was  still  remain- 
ing within  me,  notwithstanding  my  profession  that  I 
had  crucified  the  world,  the  flesh  and  the  devil.  I 
have  had  keener  sorrows  for  indwelling  sin  than  I 
ever  experienced  before  conversion.  O  the  distress 
which  I  have  felt  on  account  of  pride,  envy,  love  of 
the  world,  and  other  evil  passions,  which  have  risen 
up  and  disturbed  my  peace,  and  separated  between 
God  and  my  soul.  But  the  Lord  heard  my  cries  and 
groans,  and  was  witness  to  my  tears  and  my  desires 
for  holiness.  I  pleaded  and  wrestled  with  him;  and, 
praise  to  his  name  1  after  six  long  years  I  found 
what  I  had  so  long  and  so  earnestly  sought.  It  was 
on  the  23d  of  April,  1822,  when  I  was  on  a  visit  at 
Haddam,  in  Connecticut.  Memorable  day !  The  time 
and  place  will  never,  no,  never  be  forgotten.  I  recur 
to  it  at  this  moment  with  thankful  remembrance.   For 

8  J.  B.  Taylor. 


86  MEMOIR   OP 

then,  through  the  great  love  and  power  of  our  Lord, 
my  feet  were  set  in  a  large  place. 

"  I  cannot  give  you  the  particulars  better  than  by 
making  an  extract  froni  my  journal : 

'For  some  days  I  have  been  desirous  to  visit  some 
friends,  who  are  distinguished  for  fervor  of  piety, 
and  remarkable  for  the  happiness  which  they  enjoy  in 
religion.  It  was  my  hope,  that  by  associating  with 
them,  and  through  the  help  of  their  prayers,  I  might 
find  the  Lord  more  graciously  near  to  my  soul.  After 
my  arrival,  I  took  up  a  hymn  book,  where  I  found  a 
hymn  descriptive  of  my  situation.  The  perusal  of 
this  increased  my  desire  that  the  Lord  would  visit  me, 
and  fill  me  with  the  Holy  Ghost — my  cry  to  him  was, 
"  seal  my  soul  for  ever  thine."  I  lifted  up  my  heart  in 
prayer  that  the  blessing  might  descend.  I  felt  that  I 
needed  something  'which  I  did  not  possess.  There 
was  a  void  within,  which  must  be  filled,  or  I  could 
not  be  happy.  My  earnest  desire  then  was,  as  it  had 
been  ever  since  I  professed  religion  six  years  before, 
that  all  love  of  the  world  might  be  destroyed — all  sel- 
fishness extirpated — pride  banished — unbelief  remov- 
ed— all  idols  dethroned — every  thing  hostile  to  holi- 
ness, and  opposed  to  the  divine  w^ill,  crucified ;  that 
holiness  to  the  Lord  might  be  engraved  on  my  heart, 
and  evermore  characterize  my  conversation.  My 
mind  was  led  to  reflect  on  what  would  probably  be 
my  future  situation.  It  recurred  to  me,  I  am  to  be 
hereafter  a  minister  of  the  Gospel.  But  how  shall  I 
be  able  to  preach  in  my  present  state  of  mind  ?  I  can- 
not— never ;  no,  never  shall  I  be  able  to  do  it  witn 
pleasure,  without  great  overturnings  in  my  soul.  I 
felt  that  I  needed  that,  for  which  I  was  then,  and  for 


JAMES    BRAINEFiD    TAYLOR.  87 

a  long  time  had  been,  hungering  and  thirsting.  I  de- 
sired it,  not  for  my  benefit  only,  but  for  that  of  the 
church  and  the  world.  At  this  very  juncture  I  was 
most  delightfully  conscious  of  giving  up  all  to  God. 
I  was  enabled  in  my  heart  to  say,  Here,  Lord,  take 
me,  take  my  whole  soul,  and  seal  me  thine— thine 
now,  and  thine  for  ever.  "  If  thou  wilt,  thou  canst 
make  me  clean."  There  then  ensued  such  emotions 
as  I  never  before  experienced — all  was  calm  and  tran- 
quil, silent,  solemn— and  a  heaven  of  love  pervaded 
my  whole  soul.  I  had  a  witness  of  God's  love  to  me, 
and  of  mine  to  him.  Shortly  after,  I  was  dissolved  in 
tears  of  love  and  gratitude  to  our  blessed  Lord.  The 
name  of  Jesus  was  precious  to  me.  "  'Twas  music  in 
my  ear."  He  came  as  king,  and  took  full  possession 
of  my  heart ;  and  I  was  enabled  to  say,  "  I  am  crucified 
with  Christ :  nevertheless  I  live  ;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ 
liveth  in  me." — Let  him,  as  King  of  kings  and  Lord 
of  lords,  reign  in  me,  reign  without  a  rival  for  ever.' 
"  But  this  is  not  all— since  that  blessed  season  I  have 
enjoyed  times  of  refreshment,  in  which  I  have  gained 
nearer  access  to  God.  I  have  enjoyed  his  presence  from 
day  to  day.  Not  one  I  believe  has  passed,  in  which  I 
have  not  had  the  witness  in  myself  that  I  am  born  from 
above.  O  the  peace  which  I  have  had,  and  joy  in  the 
Holy  Ghost !  It  has  flowed  as  a  river.  I  have  been  hap- 
py in  my  Lord ;  I  have  exulted  in  the  God  of  my  salva- 
tion. But  I  ascribe  all  to  his  grace.  The  Lord  hath  done 
great  things  for  me,  whereof  I  am  glad,  and  for  which 
I  would  praise  his  name.  Not  unto  me,  not  unto  me  ! 
I  am  nothing — Jesus  is  all.  To  his  name  be  the  glory  ! 
He  is  the  author  and  finisher  of  faith.  I  know  and 
am  as  fully  assured  of  my  acceptance  with  God  as  I 


88  MEMom  OP 

can  be  of  my  existence — that  is,  if  'love,  joy,  peace, 
are  evidences  of  reconciliation.  I  have  a  hope  full  of 
glorious  immortality.  The  perfect  love  of  God  cast- 
eth  out  all  fear  of  death,  of  the  grave,  of  judgment,  of 
hell.  Filial  fear — fear  of  offending  my  heavenly  Fa- 
ther and  my  brethren,  possesses  me.  Surely  I  am  a 
miracle  of  grace — a  sinner  saved  by  grace,  free  grace, 
sovereign  grace,  almighty  grace.  I  feel  that  I  love  the 
Lord,  because  he  first  loved  me.  And,  even  now,  I 
am  favored  with  the  gracious  presence  oi'  Emmanuel. 
How  suitable  and  delightful  is  the  name —  God  with 
us  ! — yes,  and/ormetZ  within  us  the  hope  of  glory. 

"  I  find  the  Scriptures  increasingly  delightful.  I  read 
no  book  with  so  much  pleasure.  It  is  indeed  not  a 
dead  letter^  but  spirit  and  life.  Divinity  is  stamped 
on  its  pages  ;  and  when  carried  home  to  the  heart,  its 
truths  are  life  and  power. 

"  In  closet  duties  you  douDtless  find  most  pleasure 
Here  I  too  find  the  heavenly  manna.  My  soul  has 
had  Gospel  measure  in  my  evening's  retirement.  'Tis 
here  the  Christian  comes  at  the  essence  of  religion, 
while  he  holds  intimate  communion  with  heaven,  and 
partakes  of  joys  sublime  and  substantial,  such  as  the 
world  knoweth  not,  the  unrenewed  never  taste.  But 
they  are  real ;  they  are  pure  ;  they  are  foretastes  of 
good  things  to  come,  earnests  of  future  endless  bliss. 

"  The  prospect  before  me  is  a  pleasant  one.  I  have 
DO  anxiety  about  the  future.  My  only  wish  is  to  know 
what  my  heavenly  Father  will  have  me  to  do.  I  have, 
indeed,  the  ministry  in  view.  I  believe  that  the  great 
Head  of  the  church  has  called  me  tO  prepare  for  it. 
But  whether  he  will  count  me  worthy  to  be  put  into 
it,  is  not  for  me  to  decide.   /  would  not  determine.   He 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  89 

may  see  fit  to  remove  me  hence  before  I  shall  have 
finished  my  course  of  study.  Pleasing  thought,  if  it  be 
his  will !  With  some  he  has  dealt  thus,  and  so  taken 
them  from  rendering  service  below,  to  render  a  perfect 
service  above.  But  whether  my  life  be  protracted  or 
shortened,  my  inquiry  is,  '  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have 
me  to  do?'  '  Speak,  Lord,  for  thy  servant  heareth.'  I 
am  not  my  own  keeper ;  neither  would  I  be  at  my  own 
disposal.  '  Godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain.' 
I  trust  that  I  have  won  this  prize.  Pray  that  I  may 
keep  and  finish  my  course  with  joy. 

"  Thus  I  have  spoken  of  the  Lord's  dealings,  and 
testified  to  his  goodness.  I  have  spoken  to  you  with 
the  familiarity  and  confidence  of  a  friend.  Do  not 
think  me  an  egotist. 

"  And  now  may  I  ask  you,  '  Is  it  well  with  thee  ?' 
If  I  mistake  not,  you  were  once  not  a  little  harassed 
with  fears,  and  perplexed  with  doubts.  Have  you 
gained  the  ascendancy  over  your  adversary  ?  If  not, 
be  assured  it  is  your  privilege.  *  For  this  purpose  was 
Jesus  manifested,  that  he  might  destroy  the  works  of 
the  devil.'  And  it  is  not  his  pleasure  that  we  should 
always  be  babes,  or  even  young  men.  He  would  have 
us  arrive  at  the  stature  of  perfect  men  m  Christ  Jesus. 
Alas  !  how  many  seem  to  be  ever  learning,  and  never 
able  to  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  There 
are  some  who  are  always  complaining  of  their  dead- 
ness  and  want  of  spirituality.  Do  you  know  the  rea- 
son? Certainly  it  is  not  because  they  have  religion, 
but  because  they  have  no  more  religion.  The  effect 
of  true  piety  is  to  quicken  and  enliven  the  soul,  to 
make  its  possessor  spiritual  and  heavenly-mmded, 
'  which  is  life  and  peace.'  All,  all  should  be  on  the 
8* 


90  MEMOIR   OF 

alert ; '  up  and  doing '  for  their  Master's  cause.  Indeed, 
there  is  much  land  to  be  possessed ;  much  in  our  own 
hearts ;  much  in  our  families  ;  much  in  our  neighbor- 
hood ;  much  in  the  world  at  large.  Who  wiU  >  e  Chris- 
tians in  deed  and  in  truth  ?  who  will  be  decidedly  for 
the  Lord — eminently  holy  and  devoted  servants  of  the 
Most  High?  There  is  much  to  do;  much  for  you  and 
much  for  me  to  accomplish ;  and  our  time  is  short.  O 
for  more  of  Enoch's  spirit,  that  I  may  walk  with  God 
continually ;  for  more  of  the  meekness  and  the  ardor 
of  our  Savior.  In  a  word,  let  us  live  for  God,  for  hea- 
ven, for  eternity.  Then  shall  we  '  rejoice  evermore, 
pray  without  ceasing,  and  in  every  thing  give  thanks.' 
The  world  will  sink  into  nothing  before  us — souls  will 
be  valued  according  to  their  worth — the  divine  glory 
will  be  our  chief  aim,  and  heaven  our  final  home. 

"  What  shall  I  say  more  ?  May  you  and  I  seek  to 
be  wicommon  Christians  ;  that  is,  eminently  holy.  Ho- 
liness becometh  the  house  of  the  Lord.  It  is  this  which 
conforms  us  to  his  image,  which  fits  us  for  communioa 
with  him  here,  and  which  only  will  fit  us  for  heaven 
and  for  glory." 

This  letter  is  given  at  full  length,  because  it  con- 
tains the  most  clear  and  distinct  account  of  the  most 
remarkable  revival  of  religion  with  which  our  de- 
parted brother  was  favored  after  his  conversion.  He 
was  afterwards  blessed  with  many  similar  seasons  of 
refreshment ;  and  the  letters  which  follow  this  event 
are  uniformly  in  a  higher  strain  of  joyful  feeling.  In 
a  communication  addressed  to  his  parents,  dated  July 
16,  1822,  there  is  a  display  of  filial  and  fraternal  love 
mingled  with  Christian  affection  and  joy,  evincing  a 


JAMES    BUAINERD  TAYLOR.  9 1 

high  and  sustained  mental  excitement.  The  father, 
mother,  and  all  the  grown  up  children,  had  become 
hopefully  pious.  In  reference  to  this  subject  he  ex- 
presses himself  thus  : 

"  When  I  look  at  my  father's  house  my  heart  is  filled 
with  praise  for  what  God  has  wrought.  I  now  rejoice 
in  the  assurance  that  the  family  altar  is  frequented 
every  day,  and  that  there  is  oifered  up  the  sacrifice  of 
broken  spirits  and  contrite  hearts.  How  comforting  ! 
This  looks  like  having  a  little  heaven  to  go  to  hea- 
ven in.  My  dear  parents,  may  you  ever  abide  under 
the  shadow  of  the  Almighty,  find  the  banner  of  Jesus 
over  you  to  be  love,  and  his  food  to  be  sweet  to  your 
taste !  May  your  house  be  a  Bethel  to  each  of  your 
souls,"  i&C. 

After  addressing  most  earnest  and  affectionate  ex- 
hortations to  each  of  his  sisters,  he  adds  concerning 
himself,  "  Of  all  others  I  have  most  reason  to  praise 
the  Lord,  because  he  has  kept  me  in  perfect  peace*. 
Precious  seasons,  delightful  hours  I  have  enjoyed,  and 
the  remembrance  of  them  is  sweet.  The  Lord  has 
manifested  himself  to  me  by  his  Spirit,  and  I  now  feel 
his  presence ;  my  heart  is  stayed  on  the  Lord  ;  Jesus 
is  precious ;  and  I  feel  an  increased  determination  to 
give  up  all  for  Christ,  for  he  is  worthy." 

In  another  letter  he  says,  "  Thanks  to  my  heavenly 
Father,  I  can  write  to  you  in  a  new  strain.  My  former 
communications  have  been  full  of  complaint,  yet  I  did 
not  tell  you  of  half  the  distress  which  I  felt  on  ac- 
count of  coldness  in  my  Master's  service,  lest  I  should 


92  MEMOIR   OF 

distress  you  with  the  narrative.  But  now  I  feel  that  I 
can  never  sufficiently  praise  the  Lord  for  all  that  he 
has  done  for  me.  I  will  take  the  cup  of  salvation  and 
call  on  his  name.  I  would  also  call  on  my  soul,  and 
all  that  is  within  me,  to  bless  him  for  the  great  deli- 
verance which  he  has  wrought.  Surely  he  has  deli- 
vered me  from  the  snare  of  the  fowler — he  has  set  my 
feet  in  a  large  place,  and  made  me  to  rejoice  in  his 
great  salvation.  Never  have  I  enjoyed  so  much  in  re- 
ligion as  since  the  23d  of  last  April.  That  was,  and 
ever  will  be  a  memorable  day  to  me.  The  kingdom  of 
God,  which  is  righteousness,  and  peace,  and  joy  in  the 
Holy  Ghost,  was  then,  if  ever,  set  up  within  me. 
Praise  the  Lord  for  it !  He  is  all.  I  am  nothing.  The 
glory  of  my  salvation,  from  first  to  last,  shall  be  as- 
cribed to  the  Triune  Jehovah." 

To  another  he  expresses  himself  thus  :  "  Since  my 
arrival  at  Lawrenceville  I  addressed  to  you  a  letter 
testifying  the  goodness  of  God  to  my  soul.  I  have  now 
to  say,  to  the  praise  of  his  grace,  that  he  has  con- 
tinued his  favors.  At  this  time  I  enjoy  an  indescriba- 
ble peace,  it  passes  knowledge,  and  yet  it  is  a  Messed 
reality.  And  it  is  now  my  earnest  desire  that  all 
Christians  may  strive  for  a  deeper  work  of  grace  in 
their  hearts. 

"  I  am  ready  to  testify  to  the  world  that  the  Lord 
has  blessed  my  soul  beyond  my  highest  expectations. 
People  may  call  this  blessing  by  what  name  they 
please,  faith  of  assurance^  holiness^  perfect  love^' 
sanctification — it  makes  no  difference  with  me  whe- 
ther they  give  it  a  name,  or  no  name,  it  continues  a 
blessed  reality,  and,  thanks  to  my  heavenly  Father,  it 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  93 

is  my  privilege  to  enjoy  it — it  is  yours  also,  and  the 
privilege  of  all,  to  enjoy  the  same,  and  to  go  beyond 
any  thing  that  I  have  ever  yet  experienced." 

A  careful  perusal  of  the  letters  written  during  the 
few  months  which  followed  the  season  so  often  ad- 
verted to,  has  convinced  the  compiler  of  this  memoir 
that  it  was  followed  by  a  great  and  permanent  increase 
of  holiness  and  of  religious  enjoyment.  Yet  that  there 
was  in  connection  with  this,  an  exposure  to  a  serious 
error  in  the  direction  of  his  future  life,  is  undeniable. 
His  desire  to  be  engaged  in  preaching  immediately 
was  so  strong  that  he  came  near  to  the  resolution  that 
he  would  abandon  his  course  of  preparatory  study,  and, 
if  possible,  forthwith  enter  the  pulpit ;  and  if  he  had 
not  possessed  the  degree  of  genuine  scriptural  piety 
which  he  actually  had  attained,  there  is  no  doubt  but 
that  the  fervor  of  his  feelings  would  have  carried  him 
off  in  a  very  devious  course-  But  when  judicious 
friends  presented  to  him  the  truth,  and  he  carefully 
reflected  on  it,  the  path  of  duty  appeared  plain  before 
him;  and  the  power  of  conscience,  as  soon  as  it  was 
better  informed,  was  sufficient  to  restrain  the  ardor  of 
his  wishes.  And  with  a  docility,  and  a  frankness  to 
acknowledge  his  mistake,  which  does  honor  to  his  me- 
mory, he  returned  to  his  studies  ;  and  pursued  them,  as 
Health  permitted,  with  exemplary  steadiness  and  re- 
gularity. And  always,  after  he  had  thoroughly  ex- 
amined this  subject,  he  felt,  as  will  fully  appear  in  the 
sequel,  the  obligation  to  improve,  as  far  as  possible, 
all  his  faculties,  that  he  might  with  more  efficiency 
preach  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  to  his  perishing  fel- 
low-men. 


94  MEMOIR   OF 

He  had  a  powerful  impression  of  the  necessity  of 
raising  much  higher  than  ordinary  the  standard  of  mi- 
nisterial piety.  He  thought  that  Christians  universally 
might  make,  and  must  make,  attainments  in  religion 
far  beyond  those  of  ordinary  professors ;  and  he  was 
convinced  that  this  was  not  likely  to  take  place  until 
preachers  of  the  Gospel  should  become  in  a  most  emi- 
nent degree  holy  men.  But  at  the  same  time  his  own 
experience  and  observation  convinced  him  that  young 
men,  while  laboring  to  kindle  up  the  fire  of  zeal,  and 
cultivating  an  ardent  love  for  the  work  of  the  minis- 
try and  for  the  souls  of  men,  were  liable  to  be  drawn 
off  from  their  preparatory  studies,  and  hurried  into  the 
sacred  office  before  they  were  suitably  prepared  for  it. 
He  also  knew  that  there  are  many  Christians  of  indis- 
creet zeal,  who  very  frequently  suggest  to  students 
that  they  are  wasting  their  time  and  chilling  their 
ardor  in  the  prosecution  of  dry  and  barren  studies  while 
souls  are  perishing.  And  although  he  never  in  the 
slightest  degree  intimated  an  expectation  that  a  me- 
moir of  him  would  be  prepared,  yet  he  frequently  ex- 
pressed the  wish  that  candidates  for  the  ministry  might 
learn  rather  from  the  experience  of  others  than  their 
own,  the  unspeakable  importance  of  uniting  an  un- 
common degree  of  piety  and  zeal  with  very  thorough 
preparation  for  their  work.  He  was  convinced  that 
it  was  exceedingly  important  that  ministers  of  the 
Gospel  should  have  religion  enough  to  make  them 
always  happy ;  because  that  would  commend  Chris- 
tianity to  others,  would  make  them  love  the  arduous 
labors  of  their  office,  and  carry  them  pleasantly  through 
all  its  trials. 

From  the  23d  of  April,  1822,  to  the  last  day  of  his 


"     JAMES    BRAIN ERD    TAYLOR.  95 

life,  he  retained  immovably  the  convictiorij  that  by 
the  diligent  and  faithful  use  of  the  means  appointed 
by  Jesus  Christ,  there  might  be  attainments  in  piety, 
and  all  its  fruits,  love,  joy,  peace,  hope,  assurance,  of 
which  professors  of  religion  ordinarily  have  no  ade- 
quate idea.  On  this  subject  the  reader  will  find  him 
expressing  himself  in  very  strong  terms,  in  letters 
hereafter  to  be  inserted.  And  why  may  it  not  be  so  ? 
The  economy  of  grace,  so  far  from  discouraging  the 
use  of  means,  does,  when  properly  understood,  afford 
the  highest  inducements  to  use  them  with  all  dili- 
gence. The  relation  between  cause  and  effect  is  as 
fully  established  in  spiritual  as  in  physical  affairs.  It 
is  just  as  true  in  the  one  case  as  in  the  other,  that  the 
hand  of  the  diligent  maketh  rich.  And  if  one  may  not 
expect  success  in  the  use  of  measures  presented  for 
our  growth  in  holiness,  there  can  be  no  motive  to  em- 
ploy them,  and  no  wisdom  in  their  appointment.  Now, 
who  can  set  limits  to  a  Christian's  growth  in  grace, 
or  to  the  increase  of  his  spiritual  joy  ?  May  not  one, 
who  every  day  sets  himself,  with  all  the  activity  of 
intense  desire,  to  make  advancement  in  the  divine  life, 
expect  daily  to  get  forward  ?  If  a  Christian  will  never 
let  unrepented  sin  rest  on  his  conscience — no,  not  for 
an  hour;  if  he  never  will  omit  any  duty  which  for 
the  time  he  can  possibly  perform ;  if  he  will  not  rest 
Batisfied  a  moment  without  the  light  of  his  Father's 
countenance  shining  on  him:  why  may  not  all  joy 
abound  in  him,  and  he  always  abound  in  the  work  of 
t  he  Lord  ?  In  perusing  christian  biography,  and  in 
observing  the  lives  of  Christians,  it  is  manifest  that 
there  is  a  very  wide  difference  between  the  piety  and 
the  religious  enjoyment  of  different  persons.  And  it  is 


90  MEMOIR    OF 

very  clear  that  there  is  also  as  wide  a  difference  be- 
tween their  respective  diligence  and  activity  in  using 
the  means  of  religious  improvement. 

This  subject  is  urged  in  this  manner,  because  the 
unhappy  dispute  which  has  risen  on  the  subject  of 
perfection,  has  been  so  managed  as  to  induce  in  many 
the  belief  that  doubt,  despondency,  and  occasional 
gloom,  are  important  evidences  of  Christian  character. 
It  is  undoubtedly  true,  too,  that  the  spiritual  pride  of 
some  who  have  pretended  to  be  free  from  all  sin,  and 
to  have  attained  the  assurance  of  hope,  has  rendered 
more  modest  Christians  unwilling  to  speak  with  con- 
fidence of  their  spiritual  state.  But  it  ought  to  be  un- 
derstood that  these  two  subjects  are  totally  distinct. 
There  will  always  be  enough  about  the  Christian, 
while  he  is  in  the  body,  to  keep  him  humble,  and  to 
make  him  shrink  from  the  claim  of  perfection.  Yet  it 
is  certainly  the  doctrine  of  the  Scriptures  that  belicA'ers 
ought  to  rise  to  the  stature  of  full  grown  men  in  Christ 
Jesus ;  that  they  may  attain  to  such  a  state  as  to  be 
able  to  say,  "  We  know  on  whom  we  have  believed  y^ 
that  it  is  their  privilege  to  rejoice  evermore  ;  yea,  even 
with  a  "  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory."  But  if  all 
this  is  not  believed — if  it  is  taken  for  granted  that  we 
must  go  sorrowful  and  in  doubt  through  this  world ; 
then  no  efforts  will  be  made,  no  means  will  be  em- 
ployed to  rise  to  that  happy  and  joyous  state,  of  which 
the  Bible  speaks  m  frequent  and  strong  terms.  But 
nolhmg  is  more  certain  than  the  truth,  that  no  bless- 
ing is  obtained  in  religion,  any  more  than  in  the  affairs 
of  this  world,  without  effort.  The  economy  of  grace 
is  such,  that,  by  following  the  plain  directions  of  the 
Bible,  Christians  will  grow  up  into  Christ  their  head 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  9? 

ill  all  things.  Let  students  of  theology  then,  and  Chris* 
tians  generally,  believe  that  they  may  become  very 
Eminently  holy  and  happy,  and  that  it  is  their  duty 
to  be  so. 

The  determination  of  Mr.  Taylor  to  return  to  that 
course  of  study  which  he  had  first  marked  out.  did  not 
in  the  least  abate  the  fervor  of  his  zeal,  nor  lessen  his 
efforts  to  make  that  continual  progress  in  piety  which 
he  felt  that  every  one  ought  to  make  who  has  the  sa- 
cred office  in  view.  The  following  extracts  from  iiis 
letters  will  show  that  his  religious  enjoyments  were 
continuedj  and  indeed  rendered  more  permanent  and 
exalted.  But  it  ought  to  be  understood  that  he  did  not 
allow  his  piety  to  expend  itself  in  mere  feeling.  His 
religion  was  not  that  of  a  retired  contemplative  mys- 
tic ;  he  was  perfectly  alive  to  all  the  charities  of  life  5 
and  he  omitted  no  opportunity  of  doing  good,  which 
Was  either  presented  or  could  be  made  by  him.  In  a 
Word,  the  experience  which  he  had  acquired  served 
the  double  purpose  of  making  him  conscientious  in  his 
endeavors  to  store  his  mind  with  useful  and  necessary 
knowledge,  and  to  imbue  his  heart  more  and  more  en- 
tirely with  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel.  At  the  same  time 
he  was  exceedingly  desirous  that  his  Christian  friends 
should  partake  of  such  religious  enjoyments  as  he 
himself  was  favored  with.  He  thus  writes  to  one  who 
had,  at  an  early  period  in  life,  made  a  public  profes- 
sion of  faith  in  Jesus  Christ : 

u  ^ ^^  October  31,  1823. 

" '  A  hope  of  eternal  life  is  indeed  a  treasure 

more  precious  than  gold,  yea,  than  much  fine  gold.' 
When  I  saw  you  last,  you  expressed  doubts  and  feara 

9  '  J.  B.  Taylor. 


88  MEMOIR   OF 

respecting  yourself.  You  also  wished  to  obtain  a 
brighter  evidence,  a  clearer  witness  of  your  accep- 
tance with  God.  The  desire  is  laudable,  and  it  may 
be  gratified :  for  full  assurance  is  attainable.  And 
who  is  happy  without  it  ? 

"  To  attain  what  you  desire,  tw^o  things  are  ne- 
cessary. 

"  1.  You  must  believe  that  it  is  attainable. 

"  2.  You  must  seek  it  with  your  whole  heart. 

"  1.  You  must  believe  that  it  is  attainable.  That  it 
IS  so,  see  for  proof,  Heb.  6:11.  We  there  find  a  de- 
sire expressed  that  the  Hebrews  might  possess  it  to 
the  end.  Paul  enjoyed  it,  2  Tim.  4  :  6-8.  The  eighth 
verse  plainly  shows  that  the  writer  possessed  full  as- 
surance. '  There  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  righte- 
ousness, which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  Judge,  will 
give  me  at  that  day.'  See  also  Rom.  8  :  38,  39.  '  For 
I  am  persuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angels, 
nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor 
things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other 
creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of 
God  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.'  Many  others, 
besides  the  apostle,  to  the  lasting  joy  of  their  souls, 
have  found  this  truth  a  blessed  reality. 

"  2.  Therefore  you  must  look  unto  Jesus,  the  author 
and  finisher  of  faith.  Heb,  12  :  2.  Mere  belief  that 
assurance  is  attainable,  will  not  bring  down  the  bless- 
mg  to  our  possession.  The  prodigal  son  believed  that 
there  was  bread  enough  and  to  spare  in  his  father's 
house,  while  he  was  feeding  on  husks.  But  what 
would  this  conviction  have  availed  had  he  not  ccrae 
to  the  resolution,  '  I  will  arise  and  go  unto  my  father?' 
and  what  his  belief  and  resolution,  had  he  not  put 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  ,        99 

the  resolve  in  execution  ?  Exertion  is  necessary.  Can 
we  attain  any  object  of  desire  without  using  means 
adapted  to  the  end  in  view? 

"  Suffer,  then,  the  word  of  exhortation.  Give  all  di- 
ligence to  secure  that,  which  I  trust  the  Holy  Spirit 
has  caused  you  to  desire.  Let  your  cry  be  continually 
to  the  Lord,  that  your  soul  may  be  filled  with  'perfect 
peace.  Be  encouraged — for  the  promise  is,  '  Ask,  and 
you  shall  receive.'  You  have  '  an  advocate  with  the 
Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous.'  He  has  sfiid,  '  If 
ye  shall  ask  any  thing  in  my  name,  I  will  do  it.'  John. 
14  :  14,  &c.     Ask,  O  ask,  that  your  joy  may  be  full." 

The  following,  to  the  same  friend,  is  so  full  of  the 
fervor  of  piety,  that  the  reader  will  peruse  it  with  deep 
interest. 


-,  November  9,  1822. 


"  The  retrospect  to  you,  as  to  me,  is  no  doubt  min- 
gled with  emotions  of  regret  and  joy.  For,  once  we 
were  aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of  Israel,  and 
strangers  to  the  covenants  of  promise.  Nearly  fifteen 
years  of  my  life  were  spent  at  a  distance  from  God, 
m  pursuit  of  a  phanto/n  a  visionary  object^  denomma- 
ted  by  its  votaries,  pleasure.  With  what  eagerness  I 
followed  that  on  which  I  have  long  since  stamped  va- 
nity and  vexation  of  spirit,  the  companions  of  my 
youth  could  testify.  But,  alas  !  two  of  them  have  gone, 
never  to  return — their  bodies  to  the  place  appointed 
for  all  the  living,  their  immortal  spirits  to  the  bar 
of  their  righteous  Judge.  One  departed  with  bright 
evidence  of  a  work  of  grace  inwrought  by  the  Holy 
Spirit — yes,  even  in  the  triumphs  of  faith,  saying,  just 


100  MEMOIR   OP 

before  she  left  the  world,  '  I  am  going  soon,  my  Sa- 
vior is  near.'  The  other  manifested  no  token  of  a 
change  of  heart.  Should  these  persons  now  give  tes- 
timony respecting  the  hilarity  of  our  youthful  days, 
how  deep  would  be  their  tone  of  reprobation  !  But 
soon  the  day  of  account  will  come,  and  all  must  an- 
swer for  the  deeds  done  in  the  body. 

"  Besides  the  person  first  mentioned,  only  two  others 
of  my  youthful  companions,  as  I  believe,  have  denied 
themselves,  taken  up  the  cross,  and  followed  the  Savior. 

*  Why  was  I  made  to  hear  thy  voice, 

'  And  enter  while  there's  room; 

•  While  thousands  make  a  wretched  choice, 

•.And  rather  starve  than  come.' 

^'When  I  had  reached  the  age  of  fifteen  years  and 
five  months,  I  publicly  professed  the  religion  of  Christ, 
and  joined  myself  to  his  people.  This  confession  was 
witnessed  on  the  15th  of  Sept.  1816.  The  vows  then 
made  to  be  the  Lord's,  have  often  since  been  repeated 
in  the  closet  and  in  the  sanctuary.  Eventful  era  in 
my  life  !  Never  by  me  to  be  forgotten  !  Its  annual  re- 
turn always  brings  grateful  recollections. 

"  On  last  Sabbath  I  was  privileged  to  obey  the  dy- 
ing command  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  '  Do  this  in  remem- 
brance of  me.'  It  was  a  most  precious  season.  The 
intercourse  between  my  soul  and  heaven  was  open 
and  free.  I  was  brought  into  the  banqueting  house  of 
the  Beloved ;  and  his  banner  over  me  was  love.  Truly 
I  had  communion  with  the  Father,  and  with  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  through  the  Holy  Spirit.  My  brethren 
and  sisters,  both  in  the  church  militant  and  the  church 
triumphant,  were  objects   of  my  affection — yes,  all 


JAMES    ERAINERD    TAYLOR.  101 

who  were  purchased  by  the  redemption  that  is  in 
Christ  Jesus.  I  also  with  all  my  heart  desired  the 
conversion  of  impenitent  sinners.  Indeed  the  Lord 
was  present  to  bless  me  with  gospel-measure,  pressed 
down,  shaken  together,  and  running  over.  Commu- 
nion seasons  grow  better  and  better.  And  so  it  ought 
to  be.  By  and  by  I  hope  to  drink  new  wine  in  the  pa- 
radise above. 

*  When  shall  I  wake  and  find  me  there  1 

0  glorious  hour !  O  blest  abode ! 

1  shall  be  near,  and  like  my  God, 
And  flesh  and  sin  no  more  control 
The  sacred  pleasures  of  the  soul.' 

'  I  said  that  the  15th  of  September,  1816,  was,  and 
ever  will  be  an  eventful  era  to  me.  But  there  is  ano- 
ther day  to  which  I  shall  ever  recur  with  as  much,  if 
not  more  interest.  It  was  the  23d  of  last  April.  On 
that  day  the  Lord  wrought  a  deeper  work  of  grace  in 
my  soul  than  at  any  former  period.  Yes,  blessed  be 
his  holy  name  for  ever  !  he  condescended  to  bestow  a 
favor,  for  which  I  had  been  longing  for  years — the 
witness  of  which  I  have  enjoyed  daily  ever  since.  I 
cannot  tell  you  what  I  have  enjoyed  from  his  fullness  ; 
but  let  it  suffice  to  say  that  my  peace  has  flowed  like 
a  river ;  and  I  can  testify  that  I  have  experienced 
more  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord  than  during  my 
whole  previous  existence.  The  earnest  of  the  pur- 
chased possession  has  been  given  to  me,  and  I  have 
rejoiced  in  the  hope  of  the  glory  of  God,  and  of  the 
rest  which  remaineth  for  his  people. 

"  I  wish  you  to  understand  that  I  advert  to  this  sub- 
9* 


102  MEMOIR   OP 

J€ct,  and  dwell  on  it,  because  I  wish  to  show  forth  the 
divine  goodness  as  manifested  to  so  unworthy  a  sin- 
ner as  I  am ;  and  to  testify  the  loving-kindness  of  the 
Lord. 

"  It  may  encourage  my  friend,  who,  I  trust,  has 
tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious.     Let  me  again  urge 
you  to  seek  until  you  obtain  that  bright  evidence  of 
your  acceptance  which  you  desire.     Never  give  over 
*he  effort.     The  adversary  is  ever  near  to  cheat  you 
out  of  the  promised  blessing.     But  the  word  of  truth 
assures  us,  that  if  we  resist  him,  he  will  flee  from  us  ; 
and  that  if  we  draw  nigh  to  God,  he  will  draw  nigh 
to  us.     '  Blessed  are  they  that  do  hunger  and  thirst 
after  righteousness,  for  they  shall  be  filled.'     'If  ye, 
being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts  to  your  chil- 
dren, how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give 
the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him.'     Such  are  the 
promises  which  encourage  us.     If  then  you  seek  and 
find  not,  search  narrowly  into  your  heart,  and  see  if 
there  is  any  thing  cherished  there  inconsistent  with 
your  desires  to  obtain  this  blessing;  any  thing  opposed 
to  holiness,  such  as  love  of  the  world,  pride,  selfish- 
ness, &c.     God  does  not  come  and  dwell  in  the  heart 
where  he  finds  rivals.  Before  you  venture  to  approach 
the  holy  presence  of  the  Lord  and  offer  sacrifice  to 
him,  examine  yourself  carefully,  and  put  far  away 
every  thing  that  can  hinder  the  blessing.     If  you  feel 
how  important  it  is  that  believers  should  be  sanctified 
wholly,  in  soul,  body  and  spirit,  you  will  excuse  the 
plainness  of  my  speech.    Allow  me  to  propose  a  ques- 
tion, which  has  occurred  to  my  mind  since  I  wrote  the 
preceding  paragraph.    Why  may  not  you  be  an  un- 
common Christian'?  Do  you  see  any  thing  to  prevent 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  103 

It  ?  Is  not  the  Lord  on  your  side  ?  Have  you  not  the 
God  of  Jacob  for  your  refuge  ?  Have  you  not  an  Ad- 
vocate with  the  Father,  who  is  also  a  sympathising 
friend,  having  been  in  all  points  tempted  as  his  dis- 
ciples, yet  without  sin  ?  O  then  strive  for  it.  Keep 
'the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil'  continually  under 
your  feet,  and  heaven  continually  in  view ;  that  you 
may  have  heaven  within  you.  Is  it  not  for  this  that 
you  have  been  brought  into  the  church  at  a  very  early 
period  in  life  ?  Is  it  not  your  duty  to  be  an  uncommon^ 
that  is,  a  very  humble,  self-denying,  cross-bearing,  (in 
a  word,)  bible  christian  ?  And  it  is  no  less  your  pri- 
vilege than  your  duty. 

"  Pray  for  me,  that  I  may  have  more  faith,  humility, 
patience,  yea,  every  thing  to  make  me    Christ-like. 

"  With  best  regards,  &c.  J.  B.  T." 

To  the  same, 

"Novanber  2.3,  1822. 
'  The  soul  may  be  in  heaviness  through  manifold 
temptations,  I  Peter,  1  :  6.  Then,  and  in  all  times  of 
difficulty,  there  is  an  opportunity  for  trusting  in  the 
Lord,  and  seeking  him  until  he  come  and  accomplish 
a  complete  deliverance.  To  be  tempted  is  not  a  sin — 
but  to  yield  to  temptation.  To  endure  it  is  a  blessing, 
James,  1  :  12.  But  if  temptation  takes  effect,  it  will 
bring  forth  death,  ver.  15.  Thanks  to  heaven's  high 
King,  '  the  Lord  knoweth  how  to  deliver  the  godly  out 
of  temptations,'  2  Peter,  2 :  9.  Then  let  us  commit  our 
cause  into  the  hands  of  'the  Author  and  Finisher  of 
our  faith,'  who  '  worketh  in  us  both  to  will  and  to  do 
of  his  good  pleasure.'    And  after  all  our  exertions  for 


104  MEMOIR   OF 

deepening  the  work  of  grace  in  our  souls,  may  we  he 
passive  in  his  hands.  Although  our  whole  life  should 
be  one  continued  scene  of  doubt  and  fear,  heaven  will 
make  amends  for  all  But  ask  and  look  for  overcom- 
ing grace  here — now.  There  is  enough  and  to  spare. 
Let  me  request  that  your  prayers  be  offered  up  on  my 
behalf— that  the  Lord  would  make  me  a  faithful  ser- 
vant in  his  vineyard,  should  he  call  me  there  to  labor ; 
and  that  during  my  work  of  preparation  I  may  be 
useful" 

The  following  letter  to  his  parents  will  show  that 
he  had  been  brought  to  view  the  subject  of  prepara- 
tion for  the  ministry  in  a  proper  point  of  light : 

"  December  1,  182-2. 
"  My  beloved  Father  and  Mother, 

"I  have  been  reading  to-day  and  last  evening,  Mr. 
Parsons'  Journal  during  his  visit  to  Palestine.  I  found 
it  delightful  to  follow  him  as  he  recorded  his  visits  to  va- 
rious places  in  and  about  the  holy  city  Jerusalem.  He 
visited  the  holy  sepulchre,  Mount  Calvary,  Mount  Oli- 
vet, the  Pool  of  Siloam,  Mount  Zion,  Bethany,  Jericho, 
the  Dead  Sea,  where  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  once  stood, 
and  Bethlehem.  On  his  way  from  Jerusalem  to  Beth- 
lehem, from  an  eminence,  he  had,  at  the  same  mo- 
ment, a  distinct  view  of  three  of  the  most  important 
places  in  tl>e  world — Bethlehem,  where  Jesus  Christ 
was  born ;  Calvary,  where  he  was  crucified ;  and 
Mount  Olivet,  from  whence  he  ascended  on  high. 
The  associations  connected  w'ith  such  a  situation  are 
at  once  truly  sublime  and  pleasingly  melancholy.  But 
Mr.  Parsons  is  dead.    He  rested  from  his  labors  as  a 


JAMES    BRAIN ERD    TAYLOR.  105 

missionary  on  the  9th  of  last  February,  at  Alexandria, 
in  Egypt.  He  had  left  father  and  mother,  and  putting 
his  life  in  his  hand,  had  embarked  in  the  missionary 
cause.  The  tidings  of  his  death  must  have  been  truly 
afflictive  to  his  parents.  Yet  how  honored  are  they 
in  having  a  child  to  live  and  die  for  the  Lord  1 

"  While  reading  this  journal,  the  question  occurred, 
who  knows  but  that  that  region  is  marked  out  as  my 
laboring  place.  But  I  give  myself  no  trouble  about  this 
thing.  The  Lord  knows,  and  he  will  let  me  know, 
when  the  time  comes  for  my  going  forth  into  the 
vineyard. 

"  I  am  indeed  a  wonder  to  myself,  when  I  think 
what  I  once  was,  and  contrast  my  former  Avith  my 
present  situation  and  prospects.  '  Not  unto  me — not 
unto  me,'  but  to  my  gracious  God  be  all  the  glory. 
To  him  I  owe  life,  health  and  comfort. 

"I  am  as  highly  favored  as  I  have  been.  The  Lord 
has  taken  care  of  me.  At  times,  when  my  foot  has 
well  nigh  slipped,  he  has  been  near  to  uphold  me,  so 
that  I  am  under  infinite  obligations  to  love  and  serve 
him,  and  ever  to  speak  well  of  his  name. 

"  I  am  more  contented  with  my  situation  and  pros- 
pects, and  more  settled  in  mind,  than  I  was  at  one 
period.  I  see  more  clearly  than  ever  that  I  have  a  great 
work  before  me,  and  one  that  needs  great  prepara- 
tion. Since  I  commenced  study,  you  know  that  I 
have  been  much  tried  on  account  of  the  length  of  my 
course.  I  was  anxious  to  get  out.  But  I  am  now 
thankful  to  God  that  he  did  not  let  me  go  ;  for  had  I 
gone,  what  should  I  have  done  7  At  one  time  I  felt  it 
to  be  my  duty  to  go  forth  as  a  preacher  immediately 
— at  another,   to  curtail  my  allotted  course — I  now 


106  MEMOIR   OP 

look  forward  to  a  complete  course,  as  I  did  at  first.  I 
expect  10  go  to  college  next  fall^  and  remain  three 
years  ;  thence  to  the  theological  seminary,  and  stu- 
dy three  years  longer.  I  have  learned  some  lessons 
from  experience,  which,  probably,  I  could  have  learn- 
ed in  no  other  way.  These  lessons,  I  have  good  hope, 
will  benefit  me  through  life.  My  studies  are  agreea- 
ble— my  health  is  good.  The  Lord  makes  my  dwell- 
ing a  Bethel  to  my  soul — I  have  enjoyed  in  secret 
most  refreshing  seasons.  But  I  want  more  faith,  more 
humility,  more  love,  more  meekness,  more  of  the  spirit 
of  my  Master :  in  a  word,  I  want  to  be  more  like 
Christ,  in  all  my  thoughts,  words,  and  actions. 

"  By  and  by,  I  may  become  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel 
— but  I  may  not.  Life  hangs  on  a  brittle  thread.  All 
are  alike  exposed  to  the  shafts  of  death.  Only  a  short 
time  since,  a  student  at  the  theological  seminary  in 
Princeton,  who  had  finished  his  collegiate  studies,  and 
just  entered  on  his  theological  course,  sickened  and 
died.  A  young  man,  also  in  New  Brunswick,  study- 
ing for  the  ministry,  died  but  a  little  while  ago.  And 
Dr.  Mason's  son  at  Carlisle,  a  candidate  for  the  mi- 
nistry, died  about  the  same  time.  These  three  young 
men  prosecuted  their  studies  in  the  same  class  in  col- 
lege, and  all  died  in  one  month.  How  mysterious  ! 
But  it  is  the  Lord,  and  he  doeth  what  seemeth  him  good. 

'•  These  events  show  us  that  piety,  talents,  and  pros^ 
pects  of  usefulness  in  the  world,  are  no  barriers  against 
death.  May  those  that  are  looking  forward  to  the  mi- 
nistry consider  well  that  they  are  mortal !  If  the  Lord 
designs  me  for  the  great  work  of  preaching  the  Gospel, 
he  will  spare  my  life.  But  should  he  take  me  hence 
during  my  preparatory  studies,  it  will  be,  I  trust,  to 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  107 

render  to  him  a  perfect  service  in  heaven,  instead  of 
an  imperfect  one  here  on  earth.  Let  none  therefore 
mourn  my  death,  should  the  Lord  take  me  to  himself. 

"  There  is  nothing  worth  living  for  in  this  world 
but  to  glorify  God.  And  rather  than  not  do  this  in  my 
subsequent  life,  I  should  prefer  to  go  away  to  that  house 
not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.  There, 
my  dear  parents,  I  expect  to  meet  you — there  I  expec- 
to  meet  my  dear  brothers  and  sisters — O  !  what  thanks 
belong  to  our  blessed  Redeemer,  that  he  has  called  us 
with  a  holy  calling.  May  we,  who  have  given  our- 
selves to  Christ,  be  faithful  unto  death,  and  enter  into 
the  haven  of  eternal  rest.  And  not  we  only,  but  the 
dear  little  ones  of  the  family.  May  God,  for  Christ's 
sake,  hear  our  prayers  for  them — may  they  all  be 
brought  into  the  fold  of  Christ — not  one  left  out — that 
ours  may  be  a  holy,  happy,  devoted  family. 

"  Dec.  27.  You  will  observe  that  this  letter  was  be- 
gun some  time  ago.  By  the  time  it  reaches  you,  pro- 
bably you  will  have  entered  on  a  new  year.  May  it 
prove  happy  to  you  in  its  commencement,  in  its  con- 
tinuance, and  in  its  end. 

"  As  ever,  I  would  subscribe  myself, 

"  Your  affectionate  son, 

"  James  B.  Taylor." 

This  interesting  young  man  was  much  accustomed 
to  observe  particular  seasons  and  periods  of  time.  On 
the  first  day  of  the  year^  1823,  he  wrote  a  letter  to 
his  family,  which  no  doubt  will  long  be  preserved  by 
them  as  a  precious  memorial  of  his  piety  and  affection. 
He  first  takes  a  view  of  the  dispensations  of  Provi- 
dence and  grace  towards  the  family  during  the  year. 


t03  MEMOIR  OF 

And  it  appears  that  during  that  period  the  father  Cff 
the  family  and  three  of  the  children  had  experienced 
that  change  of  heart,  without  which,  according  to  the 
testimony  of  Christ,  none  can  enter  the  kingdom  ol 
heaven.  In  producing  these  important  changes,  the  in- 
strumentality of  the  son  was  greatly  blessed.  His  filial 
reverence  and  delicacy,  combined  with  christian  fide- 
lity, have  already  been  noticed.  The  same  spirit  is 
manifested  in  this  letter,  hut  on  this  occasion  it  is  min- 
gled with  much  holy  joy.  He  speaks  of  1822  as  a  year 
of  jubilee  to  the  whole  family,  and  describes  in  rap- 
ture the  domestic  happiness  enjoyed,  when  so  many 
had  become  true  Christians,  and  were  mingling  with 
the  charities  of  natural  relatianship,  the  hopes  and 
joys  of  religion. 

"  Having  addressed  you  all  individually,  1  now  come 
to  testify  to  the  goodness  and  loving-kindness  of  the 
Lord  which  have  followed  me. 

"  Surely  of  all  others  I  have  most  reason  to  speak 
well  of  his  name,  which  is  above  every  name  ;  for  in 
the  midst  of  deserved  wrath  he  hath  remembered  unde- 
served mercy. 

"  The  year  1822  has,  of  a  truth,  been  a  year  of  ju- 
bilee to  my  soul.  During  that  period  God  has  done 
more  for  me  than  I  ever  expected  in  this  world.  On 
the  23d  of  April  he  accomplished  a  work  which  I  had 
longed  for  during  six  years.  I  feel  the  blessed  eflectg 
of  that  visitation  until  this  day.  And  until  my  dying 
day  I  shall  have  reason  to  recall  that  hour  wi.h  thank- 
ful remembrance.  No  year  before  the  one  just  past 
has  afforded  such  solid  peace  in  believing.  I  have  hac) 
ffear  access  to  the  throne  of  grace.  Jesus  has  been  pre- 


JAMES    BRAINEUD    TAYLOR.  109 

elous.  My  endeavors  to  promote  the  cause  of  Christ, 
however  short  I  may  have  come,  were  put  forth  with 
increased  pleasure.  Preaching  has  come  to  my  heart 
with  greater  power.  Communion  seasons  have  been 
delightful — a  little  heaven  on  earth — foretastes  of  the 
joys  to  come.  Since  that  23d  of  April  I  have  enjoyed 
a  sweet  and  lasting  evidence  of  my  acceptance  with 
God,  so  that  I  have  looked  on  the  grave  with  compo- 
sure, and  on  death  as  a  messenger  to  open  that  door, 
through  which  I  should  have  an  abundant  entrance 
into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Savior 
Jesus  Christ — and  on  heaven  as  my  eternal  home.  I 
have  had  delightful  seasons  in  praying  for  the  family, 
collectively  and  individually — for  Zion  and  her  pros- 
perity, especially  for  the  Jews — for  friends,  and  espe- 
cially for  one  who  does  not  profess  to  love  the  Lord — 
and  for  enemies.  Think  me  not  boastful  when  I  say 
that  I  do  love  my  enemies,  and  earnestly  pray  for  their 
salvation.  The  Lord  has  commanded  us  to  do  this ; 
and  he  has  helped  me  to  obey  the  command.  To  him 
be  all  the  praise  !  '  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for 
he  is  good;  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  Let  the 
redeemed  of  the  Lord  say  so,  whom  he  hath  redeemed 
from  the  hand  of  the  enemy.  O  God,  my  heart  is  fixed. 
I  will  sing  and  give  thanks.' 

"  The  retrospect  of  the  year  shows  that  we  have 
been  most  highly  favored.  The  windows  of  heaven 
have  been  opened,  and  have  dropped — nay,  rather 
have  poured  down  blessings  upon  me.  We  have  drunk 
of  the  wells  of  salvation,  and  have  tasted  that  th« 
Lord  is  gracious.  Surely  his  eyes  have  been  over  us 
for  good  from  the  beginning  to  the  close  of  the  year. 
He  has  conducted  us  safely  through  dangers  seen  and 

10  ^-  B.  Taylor. 


110  MEMOIR   OP 

unseen :  he  has  been  '  on  our  right  hand  and  on  our 
left,  so  that  we  have  not  been  moved.'  Bless  the 
Lord,  O  our  souls,  and  all  that  is  within  us  bless  his 
holy  name.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  our  souls,  and  forget 
not  all  his  benefits ;  who  forgiveth  all  our  iniquities, 
who  healeth  all  our  diseases,  who  redeemeth  our  lives 
from  destruction,  and  crowneth  us  with  loving-kind- 
ness and  tender  mercies.  May  he  at  length  give  us 
the  crown  of  glory,  the  heavenly  diadem,  purchased 
with  the  labors,  the  tears,  the  blood,  the  death  of  the 
Son  of  God. 

"  For  all  our  short-comings  during  the  past  year  may 
we  be  suitably  humbled  ;  and  learn  wisdom  from  the 
consequences  of  our  remissness.  For  all  the  good  ob- 
tained for  ourselves,  or  done  to  others,  may  we  ascribe 
glory  to  the  Lord.  For  all  the  evil,  may  we  take  shame 
to  ourselves. 

"  Finally,  what  shall  we  render  to  the  Lord  for  all 
his  benefits  ?  A  new  year  has  begun  its  course.  It 
moves  with  as  much  rapidity  as  marked  the  flight  of 
the  old.  It  will  soon  be  gone  !  but  we  may  not  live  to 
see  its  close.  How  actively,  then,  should  we  be  en- 
gaged— each  one  in  his  place  fulfilling  his  duty ! 
May  every  revolving  day  forcibly  remind  us  that  our 
last  day  is  coming !  and  may  we  double  our  diligence 
in  preparing  to  meet  our  Judge,  that  we  may  render 
our  accounts  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief. 

"  Having  been  enabled  to  raise  our  '  Ebenezer,' 
saying,  '  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us,'  let  us  in- 
scribe upon  our  hearts,  '  Jehovah-Jireh,'  the  Lord  will 
provide.  Abundant  is  the  provision  in  heaven's  store- 
house for  all  the  needy.  Let  us  seek  and  expect  great 
blessings  from  on  high. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  Ill 

"  May  we  this  year  do  more  than  ever  for  our  own 
growth  in  grace  and  for  the  welfare  of  Zion;  and  as 
we  travel  on  our  way  heavenward,  may  we  bear  one 
another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfill  the  law  of  Christ ;  in- 
terceding, each  for  all,  that  we  may  walk  as  pilgrims 
and  strangers  who  expect  soon  to  become  fellow-citi- 
zens of  the  saints  in  glory." 

[Thus  far  had  this  interesting  compilation  proceed- 
ed under  the  hand  of  the  lamented  John  Holt  Rice, 
when  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  say  to  him,  in  the  favor- 
ite phrase  of  this  heavenly-minded  young  man,  "  Come 
up  higher."  And  now  upon  another,  incompetent  in- 
deed, but  willing  friend,  has  the  task  devolved  to 
finish  what  had  been  so  happily  begun.] 

The  piety,  the  zeal,  the  humility,  the  heavenly- 
mindedness,  the  ardent  desire  to  be  useful  in  the  vine- 
yard of  his  Lord,  which  characterized  the  late  James 
B.  Taylor,  have  been  already  exhibited  with  such  a 
force  of  evidence,  that  every  reader  must  see,  what 
every  acquaintance  felt,  that  he  had  become,  as  he 
proposed  to  himself,  and  often  pressed  upon  others  to 
become,  an  uncommon  Christian. 

His  faith  seemed  never  to  waver — his  christian  af- 
fections never  to  grow  languid — his  communion  with 
God,  through  the  mediation  of  the  Son  and  by  the 
aid  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  was  seldom  interrupted  ;  and 
when  a  cloud  mtervened,  and  the  divme  communica- 
tions Avere  suspended,  he  rested  not  till  the  cause 
was  ascertained,  and  the  light  of  his  heavenly  Fa- 
ther's countenance  again  let  down  upon  his  soul.  Nor 
did  he  ever  lose  sight  of  the  great  object  after  which 


112  MEMOIR   OP 

his  heart  panted,  and  in  preparation  for  which  he  was 
diligently  engaged.  Never,  perhaps,  did  any  one 
more  intensely  desire  to  preach  the  Gospel  than  did 
James  B.  Taylor. 

Of  the  truth  of  these  statements  ample  proof  wii 
be  found  in  the  following  extracts  from  his  correspon- 
dence during  this  year,  and  in  the  fragments  of  a  dia- 
ry found  among  his  papers,  commencing  with  the  first 
of  May,  1823. 

To  a  venerable  minister  of  the  Gospel,  for  whom 
he  cherished  the  warmest  affection,  he  wrote  as  fol- 
lows : 

"  Laivrencevllle^  Jan.  27, 1823. 
"Reverend  and  beloved  Sir, 

"When  I  say  that  I  have  not  had  the  privilege 
of  receiving  a  communication  from  ray  worthy  and 
esteemed  father  in  the  Gospel,  as  I  anticipated,  he 
will  not  consider  me  as  complaining  of  remiss- 
ness;  far  be  it  from  me;  for  my  letters  are  not, 
neither  am  I  worthy  of  this  notice.  Yet  the  good 
counsel,  the  friendly  admonitions  of  one  so  expe- 
rienced, might  have  been  incalculably  useful  to  one 
so  inexperienced  as  myself,  who,  if  the  Lord  of 
the  vineyard  permit,  will  follow  on  in  a  course  pro- 
bably not  unlike  your  own.  Last  evening,  as  I  was 
reading  the  word  of  God,  the  following  passage  came 
in  course  :  '  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  get  thee 
up  into  this  mount  Abarim,  and  see  the  land  which  I 
have  given  to  the  children  of  Israel.  And  when 
thou  hast  seen  it,  thou  also  shalt  be  gathered  to  thy 
people,  as  Aaron  thy  brother  was  gathered.'  In  medi- 
tation, my  mind  dwelt  upon  the  situation  of  Moses 


JAMES  BRAIN ERD  TAYLOK.  113 

and  his  blessed  prospect.  O!  how  much  better  to  en- 
ter the  heavenly  Canaan  than  to  enjoy  an  earthly  one  ! 
I  endeavored  to  place  myself  upon  the  mount  and 
take  a  view  of  the  goodly  land.  As  I  mused  the  fire 
burned,  until  I  could  say,  Welcome  death,  that  sets 
the  captive  soul  at  liberty  !  I  think  I  had  some  of  that 
longing  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ  of  which  the 
apostle  speaks,  and  could  have  finished  my  course 
with  joy  ;  yet,  from  my  very  soul  I  could  say,  '  Not 
my  will,  O  Lord,  but  thine  be  done.'  I  saw  I  had  as 
yet  suffered  but  little  for  Christ,  and  was  enabled  to 
say.  Lord,  I  v/ill  follow  thee  through  toil,  through 
persecution,  to  prison,  and  to  death.  Wait,  wait  pa- 
tiently, O  my  soul,  till  thy  change  come." 

In  the  same  letter  Mr.  Taylor  wrote  to  the  young 
members  of  the  family  as  follows : 

"  The  year  that  has  just  closed  has  been  a  memora- 
ble one  to  you ;  upon  it  you  can  inscribe  Jubilee,  for 
thus  it  has  proved  to  your  souls.  What  mercy  has 
the  Lord  shown  you!  Thanks  to  his  rich,  free,  sove- 
reign, almighty  grace,  that  he  has  rescued  .you  from 
going  down  to  the  pit.  How  has  it  been  with  you 
since  you  found  the  Savior  precious  to  your  souls  ? 
Has  he  been  increasingly  so  ?  Have  you  found  your 
closet  devotions  growing  more  delightful  ?  the  Bible 
more  sweet  ?  and  the  duties  of  religion  more  plea- 
sant? What  fellowship  have  you  then  enjoyed  with 
the  Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ !  What  a 
blessed  religion !  While  it  enjoins  constancy  in  its 
duties,  which  to  the  pious  is  a  'privilege,  it  affords 
peace — peace  with  God — peace  with  the  world — peace 
of  conscience.  The  love  of  God,  kindled  up  in  the 
10* 


114  MEMOIR  OP 

soul  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  is  the  principle  from  which 
emanates  love  to  Christians — love  to  sinners — love  to 
all  God's  creatures.  But,  having  been  born  of  God, 
we  must  remember  that  we  are  not  to  remain  babes  in 
Christ.  A  necessity  is  laid  upon  us  to  leave  the  first 
principles  and  go  on  to  perfection.  Therefore  ma/ 
we  pj^ess  forward,  and  give  all  diligence  to  make  our 
calling  and  election  sure.  To  this  end  we  must  never 
be  afraid  to  know  the  worst  of  ourselves.  Let  us  ever 
pray,  '  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart ;  try 
me,  and  know  my  thoughts,  and  see  if  there  be  any 
wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting.' 
May  you  be  uncommon  Christians  ;  that  is,  eminently 
pious  and  holy,  and,  like  Mary,  ever  at  the  feet  and 
around  the  cross  of  Jesus,  the  precious  Lamb  of. 
God.  There  is  much  to  be  done.  The  world  is  to  be 
converted  to  God;  and  why  may  there  not  be  great 
and  lasting  good  done  through  your  instrumentality  ? 
Then  zo  on.  The  world  may  frown — Satan  may  rage 
-but  go  on  ;  live  for  God.  Greater  is  he  that  is  for 
you,  than  all  that  can  be  against  you  and  the  chris- 
tian cause.  May  I  die  in  the  field  of  battle.  May  the 
Lord  make  me  a  true  son  of  Levi,  holy  ;  and,  like 
David  and  Sampson,  fearless  in  his  service." 

To  this  letter  he  received  an  affectionate  reply,  con- 
taining much  salutary  counsel,  and  particularly  com- 
mending his  decision  to  persevere  in  his  studies  pre- 
paratory to  the  ministry.  As  the  epistle  of  his  aged 
friend  closes  with  the  words,  "  The  elder  in  Christ 
Jesus  salutes  you,"  Mr.  Taylor,  on  the  17th  February, 
responded  as  follows : 

"James,  emphatically  the  less,  a  servant  of  God  and 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  115 

of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  elder,  the  well  beloved, 
whom  I  most  sincerely  love  in  the  truth ;  mercy  unto 
you  and  yours,  and  peace  and  love  be  multiplied  from 
God  the  Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
dear  Son  of  the  Father,  and  our  precious  Redeemer. 

"  Your  letter,  fraught  with  most  tender  expressions 
of  affection  for  one  who  truly  feels  himself  less  than 
the  least  of  all  saints,  and  so  richly  instructive,  came 
to  hand  on  the  10th  instant ;  for  which  I  have  thanked, 
and  do  still  thank  the  Lord,  and  my  reverend  father. 

"  Be  assured,  it  gives  me  pleasure  to  devote  a  few 
passing  moments  to  a  correspondent  I  so  highly  prize 
as  an  experienced  Christian,  as  a  cordial  friend,  and 
as  a  master  in  Israel. 

"  I  proceed  to  notice  in  order  some  of  the  particulars 
in  your  letter.  For  the  affectionate  regard  which  has 
led  to  the  recital  of  my  name  in  your  domestic  and  so- 
cial circle,  I  am  to  be  grateful  to  Him  who  causes  his 
children  to  find  favor  in  the  sight  of  men.  Oftentimes 
does  it  happen  that  even  Christians  hesitate  to  wel- 
come the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  with  the  cordiality 
which  they  should  manifest,  and  particularly  if  they 
should  happen  to  bear  a  different  name. 

"You  readily  join  with  me  in  saying,  these  things 
ought  not  so  to  be.  And  the  loss  which  some  have 
sustained  through  prejudice,  ignorance  and  bigotry,  is 
incalculable.  '  Forget  not  to  entertain  strangers,  for 
thereby  some  have  entertained  angels  unawares.' 
Truly  the  badge  of  brotherly  love  should  characterize 
all  who  bear  the  christian  name. 

"  The  eulogy  you  wrote  upon  my  letter,  the  adver 
sary  would  gladly  have  used  to  excite  a  spirit  of  self- 
exaltation,  which  would  only  have  procured  my  down- 


116  MEMOIR    OF 

fall ;  but  I  had  on  the  christian  armor  ;  and  the  praise 
belongs  to  the  Captain  of  my  salvation,  who  helped 
me  so  to  wield  the  sword  of  the  Spirit  as  to  turn  the  vic- 
tory on  the  side  of  humility.  Yes,  instead  of  a  means 
of  producing  self-complacency,  it  was  the  occasion  of 
self-abasement,  and  of  going  out  of  myself  and  trust- 
ing in  the  Lord  as  my  wisdom,  my  light,  my  strength. 
Thus  I  experienced  the  blessedness  of  enduring  temp- 
tation ;  and  while  the  enemy  was  defeated,  I  was  made 
to  triumph.  It  is  sufficient  that  the  servant  be  as  his 
Lord.  We  need  not  expect  freedom  from  temptation 
till  the  earthly  house  of  our  tabernacle  be  dissolved. 
Then  may  we  receive  the  crown  of  life,  which  the 
Lord  hath  promised  to  them  that  love  him. 

"  When  you  portrayed  the  feelings  of  a  pious  youth, 
you  described  to  an  iota  my  state  when  I  entered  upon 
my  present  course,  and  while  prosecuting  it  till  last 
fall.  What  a  miserable  week  I  spent  after  my  arrival 
at  Lawrenceville  the  first  time  I  My  Latin  Grammar 
— but  you  have  had,  doubtless,  somewhat  of  the  same 
experience.  I  had  come  from  an  active  life — I  was 
enclosed  within  the  walls  of  the  academy  with  chil- 
dren— a  long  academical,  collegiate,  and  theological 
course  was  before  me — I  was  growing  old,  &c.  This 
combination  of  disagreeables,  together  with  my  desire 
to  be  out,  conspired  to  render  me  disconsolate ;  yet  I 
was  thankful  for  the  prospect.  I  would  dwell  longer 
upon  this  particular,  but  suffice  it  to  say,  I  am  now 
contented  to  remain  the  appointed  time — and  I  doubt 
not  I  shall  ever  have  reason  to  admire  the  train  of 
providences  which  have  been  to  me  as  'a  pillar  oi 
cloud  by  day,  and  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night.'  My  foot 
had  well  nigh  slipped,  but  the  Lord  has  held  me  up 
and  established  my  goings. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  117 

"Your  suggestions  are  well  worthy  of  my  frequent 
consideration.  The  object  I  have  endeavored  to  keep 
in  view,  viz.  the  glory  of  God  as  it  is  connected  with 
the  salvation  of  sinners.  To  this  end  I  think  I  have 
coveted  earnestly  the  best  gifts,  which  I  conceive  to 
be  the  spirit  of  prayer,  the  spirit  of  exhortation,  and 
the  spirit  of  prophecy,  that  is,  the  gifts  of  preaching. 
I  regard  the  Bible,  the  word  of  God,  as  the  weapon 
v/ith  which  the  minister  is  to  do  execution  in  the  field 
of  the  enemy.  Therefore  it  should  be  not  only  in  his 
study  and  his  pocket,  but  it  should  dwell  richly  in  his 
memory  and  in  his  heart.  Alas  !  is  it  not  lamentable 
that  a  young  divine  should  come  out  and  attempt  to 
instruct  the  church  with  but  little  furniture  from  the 
Bible?  Classical  and  scientific  knowledge  are  invalu- 
able auxiliaries,  but  to  be  destitute  of  Bible  truth,  a 
minister  must  be  greatly  confounded  when  he  comes 
in  contact  even  Avith  those  who  are  esteemed  illiteV' 
ate,  but  who  have  made  the  word  of  God  their  study 
and  their  guide.  I  lament  that  I  am  so  much  behind- 
hand in  sacred  literature.  I  long  to  be  mighty  in  the 
Scriptures,  to  have  them  deeply  impressed  upon  my 
heart — and  that  believing,  I  may  therefore  speak — and 
so  bring  from  the  treasury  of  the  Gospel  things  new 
and  old.  Paul  says  to  his  son  Timothy,  'preach  the 
word?  It  is  the  word  which  must  and  will  do  execu- 
tion ;  for  it  is  the  power  of  God,  and  the  wisdom  of 
God,  to  the  salvation  of  the  soul. 

"Then  I  should,  as  you  suggest,  hav-e  a  system  of 
thinking  upon  theology.  Doubtless  you  have  v/itness- 
ed  many  cases  where  candidates  for  the  holy  ministry 
have  neglected  this  important  point.  Probably  they 
thought  it  a  matter  to  be  attended  to  in  course.     This 


118  MEMOIR   OP 

has  been  too  much  the  case  with  myself;  I  have  read 
more  than  I  have  thought:  I  have  meditated  plans,  but 
when  I  look  back  and  see  how  little  proficiency  I  have 
made,  I  am  ashamed;  yet  I  do  not  think  I  have  been 
idle.  My  time  has  been  occupied.  Is  there  not  a  de- 
fect in  my  system  ?  Do  you  ask  what  it  is,?  Upon  my 
first  arrival  here,  I  saw  the  absolute  necessity  of  hav- 
ing for  my  motto,  '  a  place  for  every  thing,  and  every 
thing  in  its  place.'  As  to  importance,  I  considered  the 
objects  demanding  my  attention  in  the  following  or- 
der :  hours  of  devotion,  time  for  acting,  hours  of  study. 
For  sleep  I  appropriate  about  seven  hours  ;  at  present, 
and  for  the  winter  past,  I  have  devoted  eight  hours  to 
my  academical  studies,  which  are  suflB.cient  for  the  re- 
citations of  the  class  ;  will  you  please  propose  tome  the 
best  distribution  of  the  remaining  nine  hours?  For  a 
system  of  theological  thought,  I  have  had  in  view,  be- 
sides reading  the  Scriptures,  our  catechism  with  the 
proofs.  Please  express  your  mind  fully  on  this  point, 
for  I  consider  it  of  great  importance  ;  and  to  facilitate 
my  course,  I  desire  to  come  at  every  thing  in  the  short- 
est and  most  practicable  way.  Many,  for  Avant  of  ju- 
dicious friends  to  advise,  take  a  circuitous  route,  and 
peradventure,  when  they  commence  their  theological 
course  regularly,  will  have  many  things  to  unlearn. 

"  More  and  more  do  I  feel  the  necessity  of  a  fit  and 
adequate  preparation  for  the  holy  office — much,  much, 
very  much  yet  remains  to  be  done — many  a  vacuum 
needs  to  be  iilled.  I  would  not  daub  with  untemper- 
ed  mortar,  but  be  thoroughly  furnished — a  workman 
that  needs  not  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  whole 
word  and  work  of  truth — a  polished  shaft  in  the  quiver 
of  the  Almighty.    But  what  am  I?    A  worm,  a  crea- 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  119 

Uire  of  a  day.  May  I  not  exclaim,  who  is  sufficient 
for  these  things  ?  But  I  do  not  despond.  The  Lord 
reigns,  let  the  earth  rejoice;  let  our  souls  be  glad 
thereof.  I  may,  or  I  may  not,  live  to  enter  the  vine- 
yard;  about  this  I  am  not  solicitous.  My  days  are 
numbered ;  my  destiny  is  fixed ;  I  would  not  alter  it. 
Infinite  wisdom  is  the  directory  I  choose.  I  said  I  am 
not  solicitous.  I  would  ever  live,  leaving  the  morrow 
to  take  thought  for  itself.  The  Lord  of  the  vineyard 
knows  the  very  laborers  he  designs  for  it.  If  I  be  one, 
here  ami.  Lord,  send  me;  if  not — Amen.  Any  thing 
or  nothing,  that  God  may  be  glorified  and  sinners  sa- 
ved.    Bless  the  Lord,  O  our  souls. 

"  I  rejoice  that  you  enjoy  such  nearness  of  access  to 
the  throne  of  grace.  Is  it  not  the  privilege  of  the  Chris- 
tian to  rejoice  evermore,  and  to  pray  without  ceasing, 
and  in  all  things  to  give  thanks?  Surely  ;  for  it  is  the 
will  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  concerning  him.  And  the 
more  childlike  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  the  more 
free  will  be  the  intercourse  between  heaven  and  our- 
souls. 

"My  feelings  of  interest  have  been  drawn  out  in  an 

unusual  degree  towards  the  people  in  S .    I  feel  as 

if  it  was  the  will  of  the  Lord  that  I  should  make  them 
a  visit.  Why  is  this  ?  Let  the  Lord  send  by  whom  he 
will  send — ray  prayer  is,  that  he  would  grant  them  a 
great  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  that  multi- 
tudes may  be  gathered  into  the  fold  of  Christ.  Help 
me  to  commit  my  cause  to  God,  in  whom  I  Avould 
'  commence,  continue,  and  end  every  work.'  Make  re- 
quest, if  by  any  means,  I  may  have  a  prosperous  jour- 
ney, by  the  will  of  God,  to  come  unto  you ;  for  I  long 
to  see  you,  that  some  spiritual  blessing  may  be  impart- 


120  MEMOIR   OP 

ed  to  us,  to  the  end  that  we  may  be  more  and  more 
established,  that  is,  that  we  may  be  comforted  together 
by  the  mutual  faith  both  of  you  and  me. 

"  Since  I  wrote  you  last,  I  have  enjoyed  precious 
seasons  in  the  closet ;  have  had  the  privilege  of  silting 
at  the  communion  table,  and  of  a  truth  have  fed  on 
Christ  by  faith.  It  was  a  refreshing,  blessed  time ! 
When  shall  we  eat  bread  and  drink  new  wine  in  the 
upper  kingdom !  I  could  say  more,  but  will  not  with 
ink  and  pen  write  unto  thee  ;  but  I  trust  I  shall  shortly 
see  thee  face  to  face.  Peace  be  to  thee.  Farewell.  The 
younger  in  Christ  Jesus  salutes  the  elder. 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

To  other  members  of  the  family  he  wrote  in  the 
same  interesting  letter :— "  This  is  our  working  season, 
and  what  we  would  do  for  God,  must  indeed  be  done 
quickly.  For  our  encouragement  we  have  his  assu- 
rance, My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee.  Then,  however 
arduous  our  duties,  however  responsible  our  station,  if 
we  be  faithful,  God  will  be  a  present  help  in  every 
time  of  need.  My  heart's  desire  and  prayer  to  God  is, 
that  you  may  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ.  In  reading  the 
Scriptures  on  the  subject  of  prayer,  I  was  ready  to  re- 
proach myself  for  so  much  remissness  in  this  sacred 
duty.  Alas  !  how  many  hours  have  been  lost  in  sleep, 
which  should  have  been  devoted  to  closet  duties.  How 
much  has  my  soul  lost  by  this  sinful  gratification  of 
the  flesh  !  Jesus  arose  long  before  day  and  sent  his 
holy  aspirations  to  his  native  heaven !  How  often  did 
he  retire  to  solitary  places  to  raise  his  voice  in  suppli- 
cation !   His  life  was  a  life  of  prayer.   He  delighted  in 


JAME3    BRAINERD    TAYLOB.  121 

holding  communion  with  his  Father.  See  him  in  the 
garden  and  on  the  cross !  If  he  prayed  so  constantly, 
how  much  more  do  we  need  to  be  engaged  in  this  duty  1 
But  Jesus  still  pleads,  and  must  prevail.  Let  us  then 
commit  our  cause  to  him,  as  our  advocate  and  inter- 
cessor." 

It  is  delightful  to  observe  how  this  dear  disciple  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  made  him  the  alpha  and  oviega, 
the  beginning  and  the  ending  of  all  that  he  did. 
Through  all  his  voluminous  correspondence  a  sweet 
savor  of  Christ  is  to  be  found  in  every  page— almost 
in  every  line.  His  love  to  relatives  and  friends,  and  to 
all  his  fellow-creatures,  appears  to  have  been  sanctified, 
and  elevated,  and  softened,  and  warmed  by  holy  love 
to  the  blessed  Redeemer.  Christ  was  indeed  his  all. 
And  it  is  to  his  constant  and  affectionate  looking  to 
Christ— his  entire  surrender  of  himself  to  Christ — his 
exclusive  dependence  upon  Christ  with  child-like  sim. 
plicity— we  are  to  ascribe  the  great  peace  which  con- 
stantly pervaded  his  bosom,  and  the  holy  joys  which 
filled  his  heart,  and  the  assurance  of  eternal  life  which 
cheered  him  under  all  the  trials  to  which  in  the  pro 
vidence  of  God  he  was  subjected. 

At  every  step  of  the  delightful  work  of  collecting 
and  compiling  his  letters,  new  evidences  of  the  fact, 
that  faith,  and  holy  love,  and  elevated  piety,  and 
extraordinary  devotedness  mingled  themselves  with 
all  Mr.  Taylor's  exercises,  are  constantly  coming  to 
light. 

Perhaps  a  stronger  exhibition  may  not  be  furnished 
than  is  to  be  found  in  the  following  letter  to  his  greatly 
beloved  parents : 

^l  J»  B.Taylor. 


122  MEMOIR   OF 

"  Lawrenceville,  April  C,  1823. 
'•  Beloved  Parents. 

"  Beloved  !  yes,  in  the  best  bonds,  the  bonds  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Often  have  I  held  sweet  com- 
munion with  you  in  meditation  and  prayer.  This 
evening  I  have  enjoyed  such  a  season.  And  while 
engaged  in  looking  up  for  heaven's  blessings  to  de- 
scend upon  my  dear  father  and  mother,  and  upon 
the  happy  family  with  which  it  is  my  privilege  to  be 
connected,  my  own  soul  was  watered.  How  delightful 
the  spirit  of  intercession,  when  the  soul  is  warmed  with 
a  flame  of  love  towards  those  for  whom  we  plead.  In 
this  delightful  exercise  there  is  action  and  re-action, 
as  I  have  experienced  this  night.  The  Lord  gave  me 
a  spirit  of  prayer  for  you  all,  and  my  heart  melted 
within  me  while  I  prayed.  Love  to  God  and  love  to 
man  pervaded  my  soul.  Doubtless  you  have  been 
blessed  with  many  such  heavenly  gales  in  praying  for 
others.  May  you  ever  have  enlarged  hearts  when  ad- 
dressing the  throne  of  grace  in  behalf  of  your  ever-af- 
fectionate James.  And  in  answer  to  your  prayers,  may 
streams  from  the  heavenly  fountain  descend  to  water 
the  kingdom  of  God  which  is  set  up  in  my  soul.  I 
have  not,  my  dear  parents,  a  more  convincing  evidence 
of  my  natural  life  than  I  have  of  the  spiritual  life  with- 
in me,  it  PEACE,  LOVE,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  are 
evidences  of  one's  acceptance  with  God  ;  for  these  are 
within  me  and  abound.  O  what  abundant  cause  I  have 
to  speak  of  the  Lord's  goodness  to  me.  But  my  tongue 
cannot  speak,  much  less  can  my  pen  describe  the 
marvelous  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord.  O,  he  is  good, 
and  '  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.'  O  that  men  would 
praise  him  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  123 

men.  Since  I  left  New-York  I  have  had  a  fullness  of 
joy  and  love  indescribable.  The  windows  of  heaven 
have  been  opened,  and  have  poured  down  fatness.  The 
oil  and  wine  of  consolation  have  been  freely  imparted, 
and  I  have  gone  on  from  day  to  day  praising  the  Lord. 
Jesus  alone  is  the  source  of  my  happiness.  His  pre- 
sence makes  my  paradise.  Take  Jesus  from  the  Bible 
and  the  sinner's  hope  is  gone.  Take  Jesus  from  the 
child  of  God  below,  and  this  world  would  be  a  desert. 
Take  him  away  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  all  is  dark- 
ness and  despair.  Take  him  from  heaven,  and  heaven 
would  be  annihilated.  Let  Jesus,  then,  be  our  all. 
May  we  walk  as  he  walked,  live  near  to  him,  and  ever 
follow  him  withersoever  he  leadeth.  As  the  good 
shepherd,  he  will  lead  us  into  the  green  pastures,  and 
make  us  to  lie  down  beside  the  still  waters.  How  rich 
his  provisions  !  How  refreshing  to  our  souls  !  Fore- 
taste of  heaven  and  endless  felicity  !  Lord,  evermore 
give  us  this  food.  I  feel  that  I  am  a  pilgrim,  away 
from  my  home  and  from  my  Love,  whom  I  can  only 
see  by  the  eye  of  faith.  But  by  and  by — O  welcome 
hour! — my  soul,  and  your  souls  too,  will  escape  from 
these  tenements  of  clay,  and  wing  their  flight  to  hea- 
ven and  glory.  And  there  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is. 
Who  w^ould  not  be  there  ? 

'  My  Savior  smiles,  and  bids  me  come.' 

"  Behold,  my  parents,  what  God  hath  Avrought  for 
your  son  !  Once,  he  was  an  unrenewed  sinner — a  child 
of  the  devil — an  heir  of  hell,  and  pressing  on  in  the 
way  to  the  bottomless  pit.  What  a  mercy  that  I  am 
not  calling  for  a  drop  of  water  to  cool  my  tongue  in 
that  unextinguishable  fire !   What  grace,  that  I  have 


124  MEMOIR    OP 

been  born  again— that  I  am  a  child  of  God  and  an  heir 
of  life,  traveling  to  the  city  of  God — the  new  Jerusa- 
lem !  What  shall  we  render  to  the  Lord  for  his  love 
to  me,  his  love  to  you,  his  love  to  our  household ! 
What  shall  we  render?  Our  hearts — our  whole  undi- 
vided aflfections ! 

"My  beloved  father!  the  Comforter,  which  is  the 
Holy  Ghost,  the  promise  of  the  Father,  you  have 
had  to  dwell  with  you,  and  I  doubt  not  he  will  remain 
in  you.  May  you  and  my  dear  mother  be  built  up  in 
faith  and  holiness — grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  know- 
ledge of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ ;  and  so 
ripen  for  heaven,  and  finally  be  gathered  as  shocks  of 
corn  in  their  season.  May  I  meet  you  there,  where  I 
expect  we  shall  meet  and  praise  God  for  ever. 

"  My  brothers  F.  and  S.  arrived  last  night.  I  re- 
ceived by  them  your  token  of  affection.  We  shall 
share  it  together,  with  a  thankful  remembrance  of  that 
hand  which  has  so  often  fed  and  nourished  us  in  our 
childhood.  What  pleasure  would  it  give  me  to  enjoy 
a  repast  at  your  table!  What  pleasure  to  enjoy  a 
spiritual  feast  around  your  family  altar,  and  together 
in  the  closet ! 

"  How  are  my  grandmothers  ?  1  hope  the  candle  of 
the  Lord  shines  around  them  and  in  their  souls,  to  light 
them  safe  to  the  world  of  life  and  glory. 

"How  are  our  dear  relatives?  O  that  they  were  all 
on  the  Lord's  side.  May  he  convmce  the  unconvinced, 
and  convert  the  unconverted  ones,  and  make  those  that 
love  him,  like  trees  planted  by  the  water-courses.  My 
love  to  them  all. 

"My  health  is  good — my  soul  is  happy — heaven 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  125 

smiles — Jesus  is  precious — God  is  my  portion,  and 
heaven  my  home— farewell. 

"Your  affectionate  son, 

"James  B.  Taylor," 

The  following  extracts  from  two  letters  to  a  lady  iii 
the  city  of  New-York,  then  confined  by  a  lingering 
and  painful  disease,  which  within  a  few  weeks  re- 
leased her  from  this  world  of  sin  and  sorrow,  will 
show  how  kindly  affectionate  was  Mr.  Taylor  towards 
the  afflicted,  and  how  well  qualified  to  administer  con- 
solation to  the  saints  in  their  trials. 

"My  dear  Mrs.  R. 

"  Shall  I  say  that  since  I  bade  you  farewell,  expect- 
ing never  to  meet  you  again  in  this  vale  of  tears,  my 
thoughts  have  often  run  back  to  your  habitation  ?  Yes, 
my  sister,  and  they  have  as  often  dwelt  upon  your 
name  and  your  situation  with  no  ordinary  emotions. 
Happy,  thrice  happy  your  lot ;  for  all  things  are  yours, 
whether  Paul,  or  Apollos,  or  Cephas,  or  the  world,  or 
life,  or  death,  or  things  present,  or  things  to  come  ;  all 
are  yours ;  and  you  are  Christ's,  and  Christ  is  God's. 

"  When  last  in  New-York,  I  enjoyed  the  privilege 
of  sitting  beside  your  bed  and  holding  sweet  converse 
with  you.  Now,  though  far  removed,  I  can  and  do 
still  hold  spiritual  communion  with  you,  and  what  I 
now  write  I  pray  God  to  turn  to  your  spiritual  com- 
fort, and  to  the  good  of  those  connected  with  you. 

"  I  said  the  intercourse  I  had  wnth  you  was  sweet. 
Indeed,  whenever  I  left  the  chamber  of  affliction  my 
soul  exulted  in  God.  The  Lord  has  blessed  me  while 
interceding  for  you  since.  I  have  gained  nearness  of 
access  to  him  while  complying  with  your  request, 
IP 


126  MEMOIR   OP 

'  Pray  for  me.'  And  doubtless  you  have  rested  under 
the  shadow  of  the  Almighty  with  increasing  delight, 
and  found  his  banner  over  you  to  be  love — that  love 
which  casteth  out  fear — fear  of  man,  of  death,  of  the 
grave,  of  judgment,  and  of  hell.  Have  not  your  pros- 
pects brightened  ?  Have  you  not  seen  by  faith  the 
land  of  everlasting  righteousness  ?  Have  you  not  ? 
But  I  stop — perhaps  my  sister  has  already  passed  away 
to  her  rest  with  the  shout  of  victory,  and  received  the 
croAvn  of  life  ! 

"But  my  sister  may  be  yet  alive.  It  may  still  re- 
main for  her  to  suffer  as  well  as  do  the  will  of  God  a 
little  longer  on  earth.  Do  you  not  reply,  Amen,  '  The 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done  V  If  so,  be  assured  the  best 
is  yet  to  come.  God  has  great  things  in  store  for  those 
who  think  of  him,  delight  in  him,  and  acquiesce  in  his 
will.  Then  count  it  all  joy,  that  it  is  given  you  in  be- 
half of  Christ,  not  only  to  believe  on  him,  but  to  suffer 
for  his  sake.  '  He  is  not  an  high  priest  which  cSnnot 
be  touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  having 
been  tempted  in  all  points  like  as  we  are,  yet  without 
sin.'  Are  you  tempted?  Are  you  tried?  Doubtless 
you  are  still  exercised  with  agonizing  pain.  Look  to 
the  Lord— behold  the  Lamb  of  God  who  purchased 
your  present  hope,  your  comfort,  love,  joy,  peace,  par- 
don and  future  prospects.  See  Jesus  in  the  manger — 
in  his  life  of  labor  and  suffering.  See  him  agonizing 
in  the  garden  and  dying  on  the  cross,  and  say, 

» Rest — rest,  my  happy  peaceful  soul. 
Rest  in  thy  blessed  Savior's  arms, 
Till  all  the  billows  o'er  thee  roll, 
Till  life  shall  end  with  all  its  storms,' 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  127 

"A  few  more  days  and  your  happy  release  shall 
come.  Your  soul  is  now  above ;  your  affection  is  on 
God  as  your  satisfying  portion ;  yet  you  pant  for  full 
enjoyment — your  language  is,  'Come,  Lord  Jesus, 
come  quickly.'  Then  fear  not.  Cast  thy  all  upon  the 
Lord  ;  he  is  not  far  off— he  will  not  tarry.  He  waits 
to  be  your  rod  and  staff — and  O  how  strong  his  arm — 
he  is  mighty  to  save,  even  in  the  dying  hour.  How 
sweet  to  lean  upon  our  beloved !  his  voice  is  sweet 
and  his  countenance  is  comely.  When  your  work  is 
done,  Jesus  will  come.  Do  you  ask,  What  have  I  to 
do  ?  What  can  I  do  ?  Have  you  not  to  tell  what  God 
hath  done  for  your  soul?  To  warn — to  exhort  some 
sinner  to  come  to  Christ.  May  you  be  faithful  to  God,  to 
yourself,  and  to  those  around  your  sick  and  dying  bed. 
The  Lord  has  chosen  you  in  the  furnace  of  affliction. 
This  may  not  be  joyous  for  the  present,  but  grievous ; 
but  be  of  good  cheer,  it  will  produce  the  peaceable 
fruits  of  righteousness.  It  has  done  this  already.  God 
has  sanctified  this  visitation  to  you,  and  to  the  salva- 
tion of  your  dear  companion.  Shall  it  stop  here  ?  May 
it  lead  to  the  conviction  and  conversion  of  your  whole 
household,  and  of  all  who  shall  witness  the  grace  of 
God  as  already  displayed. 

"  A  word  to  your  sisters.  When  will  you,  my  dear 
fellow-travelers  to  the  grave — to  the  bar  of  God — to 
eternity,  prepare  for  these  awful  scenes  ?  Are  you  yet 
in  your  sins?  What — and  exposed  to  the  shafts  of 
death  which  fly  so  thick  around  you?  Why  will  ye 
die — die  the  death  eternal?  Need  you?  There  yet  is 
room — room  in  the  love  of  God,  room  in  the  heart  of 
the  suffering,  dying  Savior.  Come,  then,  and  have 
your  sins  washed  away— come  and  be  made  the  happy 


128  MEMOIR    OF 

recipients  of  grace  and  iove  divine — now — now.  Stay 
no  longer  at  a  distance.  We  are  hastening  to  the  tomb, 
and  soon  our  destiny  will  be  unalterably  fixed.  I 
would  rejoice  to  meet  you  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
Judge.  Will  you  not  prepare  to  meet  God  in  peace  ? 
All  things  are  ready  on  his  part;  are  you  ready  to  give 
yourselves  unalterably  away  to  Christ  ?  Then  come — 
come  without  delay,  with  all  your  sins,  with  all  your 
burdens  come  to  the  Friend  of  sinners,  and  he  will 
make  you  whole.  His  call  to  you  is,  '  Turn  ye,  turn 
ye.'  '  He  that  believeth  shall  be  saved  ;  he  that  believ- 
eth  not  shall  be  damned.' 

'*Mr.  R.,  you  need,  and  I  trust  you  find,  the  support- 
ing hand  of  our  heavenly  Father.  You  have  reason  to 
sing  of  mercy  while  you  talk  of  the  judgments  of  God. 
Be  passive  in  his  hands.  Shall  not  the  Judge  of  all  the 
earth  do  right  ?  And  he  is  your  friend,  cleave  to  him 
— '  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous  are  many,  but  the 
Lord  delivereth  him  out  of  them  all.'  Hope  for  the 
best ;  prepare  for  the  worst ;  the  heaviest  trials  are 
from  the  hand  of  a  Father,  The  cup  that  he  adminis- 
ters, shall  we  not  drink  it  ?  Soon  shall  our  crosses 
give  place  to  a  crown ;  shall  we  be  counted  worthy  to 
wear  it  at  the  feet  of  Jesus? 

"  I  have  enjoyed  this  day  sweet  hopes  of  heaven. 
The  Lord  is  good  to  me,  and  my  cup  often  runs  over. 
May  your  prospects  brighten  continually.  O  let  us 
strive  to  be  uncommon — that  is,  eminently  pious,  de- 
voted Christians.  As  we  go  out  and  come  in,  at  all 
times,  under  all  circumstances,  let  us  make  it  mani- 
fest that  we  are  for  God.  It  will  cost  us  something — 
but  the  more  we  sacrifice  and  expend  for  him,  the  more 
will  our  consolation  abound." 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  129 

•' LawrenccvillCf  May  9,  1823. 
*  My  dear  Mrs.  R. 

"  Little  did  I  think  when  I  addressed  you  last,  that 
you  would  have  survived  until  this  time.  Do  you  in- 
quire, why  is  it  so  ?  Secret  things  belong  to  God,  but 
things  revealed,  to  us ;  and  what  we  know  not  now, 
we  shall  know  hereafter. 

"  The  Lord  works  in  a  mysterious  way  to  execute 
his  purposes  of  mercy  towards  the  children  of  men. 
In  bringing  some  to  the  acknowledging  of  the  truth, 
he  chooses  them  in  the  furnace  of  affliction.  Thus  has 
it  been  with  you  and  your  beloved  companion.  As  an 
example  of  patience  to  others,  he  oftentimes  con- 
tinues the  rod  of  affliction  upon  the  afflicted  one,  yet 
it  is  with  the  promise,  '  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee.' 
Be,  then,  of  good  courage ;  Jesus  has  gone  before 
you ;  he  has  suffered  cruel  tortures — he  died  an  igno- 
minious death;  he  entered  the  grave — but  he  arose 
triumphantly — and  now  is  our  elder  Brother,  at  the 
right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high.  Would  you  not 
follow  him?  Yes,  you  reply ;  follow  the  Lamb  whither- 
soever he  goeth.  Shrink  not  then  from  pain  ;  fear  not 
the  swellings  of  Jordan — the  silence  of  the  grave ; 
'  for  the  sting  of  death  is  sin,'  and  when  this  is  extracted 
through  justification,  and  sanctification  from  sin,  death 
cannot  hurt  you,  and  I  believe  will  not  frighten  you. 
No;  it  is  not  the  child  of  God — it  is  not  the  heir  of  hea- 
ven that  will  start  back  from  entering  his  eternal  home ; 
but  the  child  of  the  devil  and  the  heir  of  hell  that 
must  be  alarmed  and  in  despair.  O,  the  joy  and  bliss 
of  dying  a  Christian.  The  portals  of  Paradise  are  then 
not  only  seen,  but  thrown  wide  open,  that  an  heir  of 
glory  may  enter  in.   Who  would  not  die  the  death  of 


130  MEMOIR    OF 

the  Christian?    And  we  know  that  the  life  of  the 
Christian  alone  is  attended  with  peace  and  joy. 

"  While  you  are  absent  from  your  Father's  house — 
while  you  remain  a  pilgrim  here  below — may  you  have 
much  of  heaven  in  your  soul.  I  have  longed  to  see 
your  face  once  more;  but  farewell;  I  hope  to  meet 
you  at  the  right  hand  of  God — I  hope  to  hail  your  hap- 
py spirit  in  the  heavenly  Canaan,  and  there  join  with 
you  in  singing  the  song  of  everlasting  deliverance. 

"  Since  I  wrote  you,  the  Lord  has  been  very  gra- 
cious to  me — I  have  enjoyed  precious  seasons.  How 
good  it  is  to  draw 'near  to  the  mercy  seat !  Then  it  is 
that  our  souls  cry  out,  '  Lord,  evermore  give  us  this 
bread.'  I  am  unworthy — I  am  nothing — Jesus  is  all — 
he  is  the  beloved  of  our  souls.  May  he  ever  be  the 
chiefest  among  ten  thousand,  and  altogether  lovely. 

"  Next  Lord's  day  I  expect  to  enjoy  the  privilege  of 
witnessing  to  the  world  that  I  have  chosen  him  for  my 
all.  It  will  be  a  communion  season  with  us.  Soon  we 
shall  eat  bread  in  the  upper  kingdom.  Prayer  will  be 
turned  into  praise,  faith  into  vision,  and  ordinances 
into  the  enjoyment  of  his  presence  face  to  face,  whom 
we  now  remember. 

"Mr.  R.,  lean  upon  the  Lord  :  he  says,  'I  will  not 
forsake  thee.'  The  language  of  your  dear  companion 
is,  '  Weep  not  for  me.  the  separation  may  be  soon,  but 
cannot  be  long.  We  are  all  travelers  to  another 
world,  and  must  soon  be  there. 

"  With  much  affection,  yours, 

James  B,  Taylor." 

Reference  has  been  already  made  to  the  fragments 
of  a  diary  found  among  Mr.  Taylor's  papers.    It  is  in 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  131 

what  a  Christian  writes  of  himself,  his  exercises^ 
trials,  and  the  means  employed  to  keep  alive  the  flame 
of  holy  love  in  his  heart — especially  when  it  is  design- 
ed exclusively  for  his  own  inspection,  and  written  un- 
der the  eye  of  God,  and  with  a  deep  sense  of  his  pre- 
sence, that  we  find  a  true  and  faithful  exhibition  of  the 
inner  man.  Such  was  the  diary  of  Mr.  Taylor,  and  in- 
deed there  is  no  evidence  that  he  ever  wished  or  thought 
of  the  publication  of  either  his  journal  or  of  the  cor- 
respondence, so  full  of  the  effusions  of  a  most  affection- 
ate'and  pious  heart,  from  which  the  materials  for  this 
memoir  are  chiefly  derived. 

It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  twelve  of  the  earliest 
numbers  of  Mr.  Taylor's  Diary  cannot  be  found.  There 
are  five  remaining,  beginning  with  No.  13,  which  bears 
date  the  1st  of  May,  1823.  The  first  notice  is  of  pain, 
and  of  its  being  sanctified  : 

'•  This  morning  I  was  visited  with  a  sciatic,  which 
rendered  it  difficult  for  me  to  move.  But  the  Lord  or- 
dered it  for  good,  for  it  had  a  tendency  to  lead  me  to 
himself,  and  I  enjoyed  a  foretaste  of  heaven.  I  mused, 
and  the  fire  burned  ;  my  soul  was  caught  up  from 
earth,  and  the  portals  of  paradise  and  the  blessed  re- 
sidence of  the  saints  were  opened  to  the  eye  of  faith. 

*  When  shall  I  wake  and  find  me  there  V 

•  Wrote  this  day  to  Miss  W.  May  the  Lord  fol- 
low my  communications  with  his  peculiar  blessing.  I 
found  when  in  New-York  that  my  letters  had  not 
been  in  vain,  but  had  comforted  some  and  stirred  up 
others." 


132  MEMOIR  or 

There  is  evidence  that  this  very  letter  was  also  much 
blessed  to  souls.  We  make  the  following  extracts  : 

"  Do  you  ask  how  I  enjoyed  myself  while  in  New- 
York  ?  With  some  of  the  dear  children  of  God  I  had 
sweet  communion.  But,  alas  !  with  how  many  of  those 
who  profess  religion,  and  cry.  Lord,  Lord,  yet  do  not 
the  things  which  he  commands,  did  I  meet !  Was  their 
conversation  in  heaven?  No!  Were  their  hearts  there? 
No  !  for  they  dwelt  upon  things  of  earth.  Out  of  the 
abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh:  their 
theme  was  not  the  goodness  of  God— not  the  love  of 
God  in  their  own  hearts,  and  as  manifested  to  others  5 
but  fine  houses,  handsome  furniture,  fashionable  dress* 
es,  beautiful  forms,  riches,  pleasures,  and  such  like  j 
and  as  a  matter  of  little  moment,  they  talk  of  this  min* 
ister  as  an  eloquent  orator  ;  that  as  a  fine  writer  ;  and 
a  third  as  indifferent.  True,  the  business  of  the  world 
ought  to  be  attended  to  in  its  season,  but  for  a  pro- 
fessor of  the  name  of  Jesus,  or  any  other  person,  to 
dwell  upon  these  things  continually  and  with  delight, 
indicates  such  a  one  to  be  under  blindness  of  mind, 
hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt  for  the  word  of  God. 

"  Of  conversation  the  apostle  saith,  '  As  he  which 
hath  called  you  is  holy,  so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  oi 
conversation  ;  because  it  is  written,  Be  ye  holy,  for  I 
am  holy.'  And  we  have  the  assurance  that  without 
holiness  no  man,  no  woman,  let  his  or  her  name  be 
what  it  may— their  possessions,  nay,  their  professions, 
what  they  may,  '  shall  see  the  Lord.'  What  a  re- 
quirement !  how  great !  but  nothing  is  impossible  with 
God,  and  with  him  there  is  plenteous  redemption. 
^    ''  But  to  return :  they  are  not  without  a  hardened 


JAMES    BRAIN ERD    TAYLOR.  133 

heart.  Their  convictions  are  lulled  to  sleep,  if  not  en- 
tirely expelled,  by  the  sentiment,  'We  must  be  some* 
what  conformed  to  the  Avorld.'  Others  say,  '  We 
must  mix  with  the  multitude.'  For  the  former  no  ex- 
cuse can  be  allowed — the  Bible  allows  none — the 
world  will  not — their  profession  will  not.  '  Thus  saith 
the  Lord,'  should  silence  every  excuse  and  quell  every 
rising  emotion  of  worldliness.  And  what  does  the 
Lord  say  ?  '  Be  not  conformed  to  this  world.'  What 
is  this  but  an  axe  laid  at  the  root  of  every  worldly 
thought,  desire,  and  action  which  are  not  subservient 
to  our  growth  in  grace  and  the  advancement  of  Christ's 
kingdom  in  the  earth'?  As  to  the  latter,  it  is  obvious 
that  we  must,  in  somedegree,  mix  with  the  multitude  , 
but  does  this  make  it  necessary  that  we  must  be  par 
takers  of  their  sins  ?  No,  nor  of  their  follies,  which 
are  sins.  Christ's  prayer  for  his  disciples  is,  'Keep 
them  from  the  evil ;'  but  those  that  I  describe  hold  the 
Word  of  God  in  contempt,  for  they  disobey  its  com- 
mands, which  are  holy,  just,  and  good.  They  mani- 
fest that  they  love  the  world,  and  the  things  of  it,  in- 
ordinately. The  word  of  God  says.  Come  out  from 
among  them,  and  be  ye  separate ;  and  touch  not  the 
unclean  thing.  Out  of  their  own  mouths  they  are  con- 
demned. O  !  these  things  ought  not  to  be  so— may 
our  garments  be  kept  clean  and  unspotted  from  the 
world.  With  those  who  mind  earthly  things  the  child 
of  God  can  have  little  enjoyment.  May  the  Lord  arouse 
by  his  Spirit  and  his  word,  all  lukewarm  and  worldly- 
minded  Christians-^if  indeed  there  be  such  a  com- 
pound as  a  worldly-minded  Christian. 

"  You  will  not  think  me  an  egotist,  for  I  comply 
with  your  request,  when  I  write  of  the  Lord's  deal- 

12  J-  B'  Taylor. 


134  MEMOIR  or 

ings  with  myself.  The  day  on  which  I  bade  you  fare- 
well, was  commemorative  of  the  most  eventful  era  of 
my  existence.  You  readily  recur  to  the  23d  April,  oi:e 
year  ago.  From  the  circumstances  attending  me  that 
day,  traveling,  &c.  I  enjoyed  but  little  opportunity  for 
retirement.  How  gratefully  did  I  hail  my  habitation; 
for  the  Lord  had  protected  and  brought  me  safe  to  my 
resting-place.  I  made  the  field,  screened  with  woods, 
my  closet,  where  I  could  address  my  Father  in  secret. 
How  many,  driven  from  home  for  the  name  of  Jesus, 
have  sought  shelter  in  the  woods,  with  the  vaulted 
heavens  for  their  covering,  and  there,  as  well  as  in 
dens  and  caves  of  the  earth,  poured  out  their  souls  be- 
fore the  Lord,  who  hears  when  his  children  cry. 

"  Shall  I  transcribe  what  I  recorded  of  the  Lord's 
goodness  to  me  the  day  after  my  arrival? 

"  '  April  24. — Had  a  most  precious  season  at  the 
throne  of  grace.  How  often  has  the  Lord  blessed  me  in 
that  very  spot !  It  appears  sacred.  My  soul  was  melted 
this  evening.  My  spirit  cried,  Abba,  Father.  Jesus, 
though  unseen  by  mortal  eye,  was  precious,  as  seen 
by  the  eye  of  faith.  The  oil  and  wine  of  consolation 
were  poured  into  my  soul — had  a  spirit  of  interces- 
sion for  my  dear  friends.' 

"  '  Sabbath  following. — What  shall  I  render  to  the 
Lord  for  all  his  benefits  ?  My  cup  has  this  day  run 
over.  My  consolation  has  abounded.  The  good  Shep- 
herd has  led  me  into  green  pastures,  and  I  have  fed 
upon  the  rich  foretastes  of  heaven.  I  have  found  my 
powers  too  feeble  to  praise  and  bless  the  God  of  my 
salvation  as  I  would,  and  could  only  say.  Glory  to 
God!  Glory  to  my  dear  Savior  I  Halleluiah  to  the 
Lamb  for  ever  !    O  how  sweet  I  have  found  it  to  call 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  135 

upon  God  in  secret !  It  is  not  to  be  described,  as  you 
know,  if  you  have  felt  the  refining  flame  of  God's  love ; 
but  it  is  Tull  of  jSflory.'  Perfect  love  filled,  and  now 
fills  my  seal.  1  have  wept  tears  of  joy  and  gratitude, 
and  tears  of  praise,  at  the  feet  of  Jesus.  I  have  called 
God  my  Father,  wit^i  the  spirit  of  adoption.  Truly 
the  Comforter  has  come,  and  I  long  to  depart  and  be 
with  Christ.  How  small,  how  vain  the  world  ap- 
pears !  Alas !  that  any  should  seek  their  happiness 
here  !  O  could  they  feel  what  I  experience,  the  world 
would  wane  and  dwindle  into  nothing.  But  why  was 
I  made  to  hear  his  voice  and  enter  in  ?  Why  was  it — 
Lord,  why  was  it  I  ?  My  heart  melted  again  and  again, 
and  floods  of  tears  flowed  gently  down.  How  delight- 
ful such  an  exercise  ?  What  an  antepast  of  heaven, 
when  the  soul  holds  converse  with  God !  While  en- 
gaged in  singing  in  the  family,  the  Lord  drew  near, 
and  my  heart  began  to  burn  with  love.  I  then  retired 
to  my  sacred  retreat,  and  poured  out  my  soul  before 
him.  Ah,  how  foolish  is  such  language  as  this  to  the 
poor  worldling,  the  gay,  the  thoughtless !  But  the 
child  of  grace,  the  renovated  soul  alone  knows  the 
joys  of  pardoned  sin.  '  I  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper 
in  the  house  of  my  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of 
wickedness.'  I  had  an  affecting  view  of  my  utter  un- 
Avorthiness ;  and  truly  I  am  a  wonder  to  myself — '  a 
miracle  of  grace.'  By  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I 
am ;  a  sinner  saved  by  grace  ;  a  sinner  changed  by  the 
Spirit ;  a  sinner  accepted  of  God,  through  Christ,  and 
tending  towards  heaven,  and  longing  to  be  there ! 
Were  it  the  will  of  God,  this  night  would  I  go ;  yet  I 
am  willing  to  stay,  and  suffer,  and  do  the  will  of  God. 
I  have  given,  and  now  give  myself  away  to  himj  I  am 


136  MEMOIR  OP 

not  my  own ;  I  have  been  bought  with  a  price.  Jesus, 
be  thou  my  all ;  be  thou  King  supreme.  Reign  without 
a  rival.  Sway  thy  sceptre  universally.  Rule  for  ever, 
King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords.  Amen.' 

"  The  above  is  an  account  of  my  exercises  for  two 
days.  This  day  has  the  Lord  given  me  a  memento  of 
my  mortality.  This  morning  I  was  seized  with  a  pain, 
which  renders  it  difficult  for  me  to  move.  '  We  bloom 
to-day,  to-morrow  die.'  But  the  Lord  meant  it  for  good, 
and  I  have  reason  to  thank  him  for  his  token  of  love. 
'  What  son  hath  he  whom  he  chasteneth  not  V  I  have 
taken  a  view  of  the  grave — of  the  bar  of  God,  and  hea- 
ven— and  my  desire  was  to  launch  away — yet  I  sub- 
mit and  wait.  I  see  nothing  here  to  live  for,  but  to 
spend  and  be  spent  for  God;  and  no  longer  than  I  may 
be  useful  would  I  remain  here  below.  O  when  shall 
we  hear  the  sound,  '  Come  up  higher.' 

"  This  being  the  first  of  May,  I  presume  you  have 
been  in  the  midst  of  bustle  and  confusion,  yet  doubt- 
less you  have  been  in  perfect  peace.  This  is  the  ex- 
cellency of  religion — that  while  the  spirits  of  darkness 
rage,  and  wicked  men  blaspheme — while  the  world 
seek  the  pleasures  of  sense,  yet  never  find  any  thing 
to  slake  their  thirst — while  the  vain  love  themselves 
and  follow  the  vanities  of  the  earth — while  they  are 
disappointed  in  life,  wretched  in  death,  and  lost  for 
ever,  the  meek  and  humble  followers  of  the  Lamb  find 
peace  and  quietude  of  soul  below — peace  or  triumph 
in  death,  and  God  and  heaven  for  ever. 

"  Take  your  pleasures  then,  ye  worldlings — enjoy 
the  gayeties  of  life,  ye  vain  spendthrifts  of  time — trifle 
with  your  souls — dance  on  the  brink  of  ruin — sell  your 
all  for  nought,  and  forfeit  heaven  at  last.   But  let  me 


JAMES    ERAINERD    TAYLOR.  137 

live  the  life  and  die  the  death  of  the  righteous ;  for 
the  righteous,  the  righteous  alone  have  hope  in  death. 
Farewell. 

"  Yours  in  the  best  of  bonds, 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 

'  P.  S.  I  wished  to  say  something  to  Miss  M ■ 

upon  this  all-important  subject.  I  hope  she  views  it 
as  all-important.  But  however  she  may  admit  its  im- 
portance, it  will  avail  her  nothing  unless  she  feel  its 
power  in  her  own  soul.  This  must  be  experienced,  or 
she  must  be  lost  for  ever. 

"  To  the  young  ladies  too  I  would  say,  hear  the 
words  of  Jesus  Christ;  '  Except  ye  repent,  ye  shall  all 
likewise  perish.'  J.  B.  T." 

We  return  again  to  the  interesting  diary  from  which 
we  began  to  make  some  extiacts. 

'•  May  3,  1823. — Had  a  delightful  communion  sea- 
son at  my  stated  evening  devotion ;  and  found  much 
pleasure  in  reading  the  Word,  and  in  calling  upon  the 
name  oi^  the  Lord. 

"  Sabbath,  May  4.— Another  Christian  Sabbath  has 
dawned  upon  this  world,  which,  but  for  religion,  would 
be  a  hell,  and  its  inhabitants  incarnate  devils. 

"  The  Sabbath  shed  forth  its  cheering  light,  but  the 
Lord  of  the  Sabbath  hid  his  face  from  me.  Why  is 
this?  He  knows  the  reason  ;  and  so  do  I.  My  guide 
has  been  forsaken,  I  have  broken  my  covenant  with 
him,  and  the  consequence  is,  my  soul  is  in  darkness 
and  distress.  Surely  '  the  way  of  transgressors  is 
hard,'  and  peculiarly  so  to  the  child  of  God,  who  has 
not  only  lasted  that  he  is  gracious,  but  has  been  filled 
12* 


138  MEMOIR   OF 

with  his  perfect  love.  Morning  duties  were  attended 
to  as  usual,  but  the  glory  had  departed.  The  form  was 
there,  but  where  was  the  power  ?  My  soul  had  by 
transgression  left  its  rest,  and  leanness,  the  inevitable 
consequence  of  a  departure  from  God,  was  inscribed 
upon  it.  I  sought  the  Lord,  but  found  him  not  to  the 
satisfying  of  my  soul.  I  repaired  to  the  house  of  God, 
but  my  love  was  absent.  Returning  home,  I  felt  dissa- 
tisfied with  my  situation,  and  refused  to  be  comforted, 
but  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  O  how  keen  the  anguish,  '  My 
God  to  love,  and  not  my  God  alone?  How  keen  the 
reproach  of  ingratitude,  in  forsaking  my  best  friend. 
Thanks  to  the  Lord  that  I  felt  my  need  and  saw  the 
remedy,  and  that  I  had  the  disposition  to  return  to  him 
from  whom  I  had  revolted.  I  wished  to  wander  no  fur- 
ther. My  soul  thirsted  for  God.  I  could  praise  him  for 
what  he  had  done  for  me— I  felt  that  he  was  just  in 
withdrawing  from  me,  and  that  were  I  in  hell  I  could 
but  praise  him.  I  looked  to  him  for  direction  as  I  opened 
his  blessed  word,  and  he  answered  my  prayer.  I  opened, 
T  tead,  '  So  fight  I,  not  as  one  that  beateth  the  air ;  but 
I  keep  under  my  body  and  bring  it  into  subjection,  lest 
that  by  any  means,  when  I  have  preached  to  others,  1 
myself  should  be  a  cast-away.'  The  Word  was  sea- 
sonable ;  I  had  not  kept  my  body  under ;  it  enabled  me 
to  have  right  views  of  myself.  I  hastened  to  the  throne 
of  grace,  and  found  it  good.  The  Lord  dispensed  his 
favor,  and  shed  abroad  his  love  in  my  heart.  Thanks 
to  his  name  for  pardon  and  sanctification  !  O,  why  was 
I  not  left  to  hardness  of  heart?  Not  unto  me,  but  unto 
the  Lord  belongeth  praise ;  for  he  bringeth  salvation. 
Again  I  looked  up  to  the  Lord,  and  again  opened  and 
read  his  blessed  word  :  '  Be  strong  and  of  good  cou- 


JAMES    ERAINERD   TAYLOR.  139 

rage ;  I  will  be  with  thee :  I  will  not  fail  thee  nor  for- 
sake thee :  only  be  thou  strong  and  very  courageous.' 
May  my  care  and  fear  evermore  be  this,  not  to  do  any 
ONE  thing  displeasing  to  my  God ;  and  he  will  take 
care  of  all  the  rest. 

"May  12. — Had  a  delightful  season  at  the  throne  of 
grace,  both  in  prayer  and  in  reading  the  Scriptures. 
The  Word  is  spirit  and  life — Lord,  open  my  mind 
more  and  more  to  understand  the  Scriptures — make 
me  mighty  in  the  Scriptures. 

"May  29.— Wrote  to  Sarah,  my  colored  friend." 

Yiom.  this  letter  we  make  the  following  extract,  as 
a  specimen  of  the  affectionate  spirit  of  Mr.  Taylor,  ma- 
nifested towards  the  children  of  God,  of  whatever  co- 
lor or  condition. 

"  How  is  Aunt  Sarah  ?  Perhaps  her  mortal  frame 
is  sinking  under  the  weight  of  old  age,  and  ready  to 
fall  a  prey  to  death — doubtless  you  look  to  the  day  of 
your  death  as  better  than  the  day  of  your  birth.  You 
will  hail  the  hour  of  your  departure  as  a  release  from 
your  burdens  and  sorrows,  when  your  happy  spirit 
shall  wing  its  way  to  the  paradise  of  God.  Does  not 
your  soul  exult  in  the  prospect?  The  New  Jerusalem 
is  just  before  you — that  city  that  hath  foundations.  It 
is  the  home  of  the  saints.  There  dwells  our  Savior; 
there  you  will  see  him  as  he  is ;  and  there  meet  the 
redeemed  of  the  Lord  out  of  every  nation,  and  king- 
dom, and  tongue,  and  people.  Do  you  expect  to  meet 
mc  there  ?  I  know  you  do — and  I  hope  to  find  some 
bumble  place  at  the  feet  of  my  blessed  Redeemer.  I 
have  already  the  earnest  of  the  heavenly  rest — pray 


140  MEMOIR   OP 

that  I  may  enjoy  yet  more  and  more,  and  so  grow  up 
into  Christ  our  living  head.  While  you  shall  be  prais- 
ing God  in  glory,  I  may  be  sounding  the  Gospel  trum- 
pet. Pray  that  it  may  be  to  the  awakening  of  many  a 
poor  sinner,  and  the  means  of  gathering  multitudes  of 
precious  souls  into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son. 

"  The  prospect  of  living  to  serve  the  Lord  in  his 
vineyard  is  pleasant,  if  it  be  his  will.  To  die,  I  know 
would  be  gain  ;  but  I  am  not  anxious.  The  Lord,  whose 
I  am,  knows  that  I  am  his,  by  creation,  by  the  pur- 
chase of  the  blood  of  Jesus,  by  the  sanctification  of  his 
Spirit.  To  the  Lord  Jesus,  as  to  a  faithful  Creator, 
would  I  commit  my  all;  come  sickness  or  health,  life 
or  death,  all,  all  will  be  well ;  not  my  will,  but  the 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done." 

In  the  following  letter  to  a  much  valued  friend,  bear- 
ing date  Lawrenceville,  June  7,  1823,  will  be  found 
sentim.ents  and  an  expression  of  affections  well  wor- 
thy the  serious  consideration  of  all  who  are  in  the  mi- 
niiiry,  or  who  are  seeking  this  most  responsible  office. 

"  The  past  wears  an  aspect  to  me  truly  astonishing. 
My  long  course  of  iniquity  before  conversion — four- 
teen years  spent  in  folly  and  in  sin — my  early  impres- 
sions when  compared  with  the  multitude  Avho  throng 
the  downward  road — my  being  led  to  the  Lamb  of 
God  '  that  takelh  away  the  sin  of  the  world,'  and 
made  a  happy  partaker  of  grace  and  love  divine — my 
being  called  of  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  or  rather  to  prepare  for  it — how  wonderful ! 
I  know  not,  indeed,  that  he  will  put  me  into  the  minis- 
try,  but  if  not,  I  have  the  prospect  of  being  taken  from 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  141 

rendering  an  imperfect  service  below,  to  a  perfect  ser- 
vice in  the  upper  sanctuary. 

"  I  look  upon  my  residence  in  New-York  as  highly 
beneficial.  There  I  gained  a  fund  of  information,  to  be 
gained  only  in  such  a  situation.  Little  did  I  think  that 
I  was  then  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  men  and  man- 
ners to  fit  me  better  for  the  sacred  office. 

"  Do  you  ask  how  I  am  affected  towards  my  former 
employment  ?  Never  since  I  left  it  have  I  felt  any 
desire  to  return.  My  aversion  to  every  ihing  of  this 
kind  has  increased,  and  my  mind  would  sicken  at  the 
thought  of  ever  returning  to  the  business  of  this  world. 
I  rejoice  in  the  indisposition  to  attend  to  any  thing 
that  is  not  intimately  connected  with  my  calling. 

"  It  is  to  be  feared  that  some  (alas  !  for  them)  com- 
mence stuay  for  the  holy  ministry  from  sinister  mo- 
tives. Some  seek  worldly  emolument — some  popular 
applause — others,  and  we  hope  these  are  the  majority, 
seek  souls  for  their  hire.  Says  a  correspondent,  writ- 
ing of  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  '  He  has  by  his 
education  become  a  different  man,  and  has  a  different 
kind  of  piety,  and  time  must  develope  whether  it  is 
for  the  better  or  the  worse.'  How  sad,  how  melan- 
choly, that  any  of  the  sons  of  Levi  should  grow  cold 
in  the  service  of  the  church  of  Christ.  How  afflicting 
to  the  lover  of  Zion  to  witness  engagedness  in  any 
Christian  decline ;  but  particularly  to  see  a  candidate 
for  the  ministry  lose  his  ardent  zeal  for  the  good  of 
souls.  But  'let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take 
heed  lest  he  fall.'  Of  this  I  have  been  mindful,  and  I 
would  ever  keep  it  in  mind ;  nor  would  I  be  puffed  up, 
or  vain-glorious,  that  the  good  Shepherd  hath  led  me 
into  his  green  pastures,  and  fed  me,  and  made  me  to 


142  MEMOIR    OF 

lie  down  by  the  still  waters ;  for  who  maketh  me  to 
differ  from  the  impenitent,  the  thoughtless,  the  hard- 
ened, and  incorrigible  ?  And  what  have  I,  that  I  have 
not  received  from  him,  who  giveth  liberally  and  up- 
braideth  not?  'Tis  all  of  grace,  and  to  God  only  wise 
be  all  the  glory. 

"  I  apprehended  danger  upon  entering  on  my  acade- 
mical course,  from  the  many  snares  attendant  upon 
such  a  life.  I  dreaded  the  thought  of  becoming  a  for- 
malist. The  plan  which  I  then  considered  best  for  a 
student  with  prospects  like  mine — nay,  whatever  may 
be  his  prospects,  (and  I  am  confirmed  in  uiy  opinion,) 
is,  1.  Strictly  and  most  punctually  to  perform  his 
closet  duties.  2.  He  should  exercise  regularly  for  the 
benefit  of  his  body.  This  will  aid  him  in  the  first,  and 
better  prepare  him  for  entering  upon  prosecuting  the 
3d. — viz.  diligent  application  to  his  studies.  But  the 
Lord  has  been  better,  a  thousand  times  better  than  all 
my  fears.  Instead  of  declining,  my  march  has  been 
onward  in  the  divine  life.  Were  I  to  attempt  a  narra- 
tion, it  would  be  impossible  for  me  to  tell  you  even 
the  half.  Suffice  it  to  say,  I  have  had,  during  the  last 
thirteen  months,  the  witnessing  of  God's  Spirit  with 
mine  that  I  am  born  from  above,  and  traveling  to  hea- 
ven. The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  has  been,  from  day  to  day, 
love,  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

"  The  prospect  to  me  is  pleasant.  I  glory  in  the 
thought  of  one  day  becoming  an  ambassador  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  dying  men.  Paul  was  an  ambas- 
sador in  bonds.  What  a  privilege  to  die  for  the  Lord 
Jesus  !  I  said  I  glory,  but  not  in  my  own  strength,  for 
my  sufficiency  is  of  God  :  yet  while  I  glory  in  the  pros- 
pect, I  am  not  anxious.   I  do  consider  myself  not  my 


JAMES  BRAIN ERD  TAYLOR.  143 

own ;  I  have  been  bought  with  a  price  ;  I  am  the  Lord's, 
to  be  dealt  with  agreeably  to  his  will.  My  limes  and 
seasons,  health  and  faculties,  talents  and  infiueacc, 
life  and  death,  all  are  in  his  hands.  He  hath  done  all 
things  well.  And  my  language  is,  'reign  in  me,  over 
me ;  reign  universally,  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  all.' 
"  Years  must  revolve  before  my  fathers  in  the  church 
will  send  me  forth.  But  they  are  ministering  as  stew- 
ards in  the  house  of  God.  When  sent  forth,  may  I 
hear  the  voice  of  the  great  Head  of  the  church  saying 
tome,  'Go.'  Then  onward  will  be  my  watchword  ; 
onicard^  to  warn  the  sinner  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come  ;  onward,  to  lead  the  anxious  inquirer  to  the  sin- 
ner's friend ;  onward,  to  feed  the  lambs  and  sheep  of 
Christ's  flock  ;  to  visit  the  sick  and  afflicted  ;  to  smooth 
the  declining  path  of  the  aged ;  to  guide  the  young  ; 
to  refresh  the  weary  ;  to  illumine,  if  possible,  by  con- 
versation and  prayer,  the  vale  of  death  :  onward,  to 
live  to  and  for  God ;  to  finish  my  course  with  joy : 
vniimrd,  to  the  grave  ;  to  the  bar  of  God  ;  to  glory." 

The  reader  cannot  have  failed  to  notice  the  high- 
toned  and  devoted  piety  of  Mr.  Taylor,  as  manifested 
in  all  his  correspondence,  and  may  well  inquire  by 
what  means  he  made  such  attainments  in  spirituality. 
To  this  question  the  answer  is  perfectly  obvious  :  reli- 
gion with  him  was  no  secondary  interest,  but  the  one 
thing  needful — the  absorbing  subject  of  his  thoughts 
and  affections  ;  and  with  great  constancy  did  he  prac- 
tice its  duties,  and  especially  those  which  bring  the 
souls  of  God's  people  more  immediately  into  his  pre- 
sence, such  as  secret  prayer,  meditation,  and  reading 
the  Scriptures.   These  seemed  to  be  the  very  elements 


144  MEMOIR  OP 

of  his  being,  and  to  afford  the  fuel  that  kept  alive  (he 
fire  of  holy  love  in  his  heart.  Not  only  in  the  forego- 
ing letter,  but  in  all  his  correspondence,  and  every- 
where in  his  diary,  it  is  evident  that  he  made  commu- 
nion with  God  his  first  object,  nor  could  he  be  satis- 
fied without  its  actual  enjoyment ;  so  that  whenever, 
through  inattention  to  the  state  of  his  heart,  the  pre- 
valence of  temptation,  ot  the  derangement  of  the  ani- 
mal economy,  he  found  not  '  him  whom  his  soul  lov- 
ed,' he  rested  not  till  the  joy  of  God's  salvation  waa 
restored,  and  he  could  again  say,  'My  beloved  is  mine, 
and  I  am  his.'  " 

What  in  this  respect  Mr.  Taylor  practiced  himself, 
he  affectionately  recommendexi  to  his  friends,  as  may 
be  seen  in  many  parts  of  his  most  pious  and  affec- 
tionate letters.  To  his  beloved  friend,  the  Rev.  C.  H. 
he  wrote,  June  22,  1823 :    ^ 

'  "  A  stated  time^  a  -particular  place,  and  punctu 
ality,  I  find  nece-ssary  to  keep  up  the  life  and  power 
of  religion  in  the  soul.  To  attend  to  the  duties  of  the 
closet,  an  ancient  disciple  sard  to  his  company  as  an 
excuse  for  leaving  them,  '  I  have  a  friend  now  in  wait- 
ing to  speak  with  me/  Intrusion  upon  the  hours  set 
apart  for  God  cannot  fail  to  make  serious  inroads  upon 
the  health  of  the  spiritual  ma;n.  Let  us,  my  friend,  be 
punctual  with  God.'^ 

It  is  appropriate  to  remark  in  this  connectioTi,  thai 
Mr.  Taylor  sought  and  enjoyed  this  high  state  of  piou5 
affection  and  constant  communion  with  God,  not  as  a 
duty,  but  a  delightful  privilege ;  not  merely  for  his- 
own  sake,  but  for  the  benefit  of  others,  and  as  a  nwst 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  145 

important  part  of  his  preparation  for  the  ministry  of 
the  Gospel ;  nor  did  he  ever  lose  sight  of  the  great 
work  in  which  he  so  ardently  desired  to  be  employed. 
In  a  letter  to  a  much  esteemed  brother,  bearing  date 
29th  June,  1823,  on  his  being  appointed  to  the  office  of 
deacon  in  the  dwrch,  he  wrote : 

"I  trust  you  accepted  this  office,  not  merely  as  call- 
ed by  the  church,  but  by  the  great  Head  of  the  church. 
It  is  the  consciousness  of  moving  in  the  sphere  to 
which  God  calls,  that  makes  his  servant  patient  and 
persevering,  and  affords  the  delightful  testimony  to 
himself,  that  he  pleases  God.  This  is  an  office  in 
which  Jesus  himself  ministered.  How  careful  was  he 
that  the  wants  of  the  poor  should  be  supplied.  He 
sent  none  empty  away,  although  he  himself  was  often- 
times hungry,  and  thirsty,  and  weary,  and  heavy 
laden ;  weary  in  traversing  the  country  on  foot,  and 
heavy  laden  in  bearing  a  burden  not  his  own.  O  my 
brother,  what  a  privilege  to  follow  in  the  footsteps  of 
Emmanuel,  God  with  us.  Do  you  not  feel  that  you 
have  much  to  do?  We  are  looked  upon  as  those  who 
must  enforce  precept  by  holy  example.  The  church 
and  the  world  have  their  eyes  upon  us.  God  requires 
us  to  be  faithful.  Our  happiness  depends  upon  it.  Per- 
haps the  comfort,  the  salvation  of  others  depend  upon 
it.  May  it  then  be  our  study  to  be  mighty  in  the  Scrip- 
tures—full of  faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost.  That  we  may 
be  properly  qualified  for  our  stations,  how  much  prayer 
and  watchfulness  on  our  part — how  much  grace  on 
God's  part — is  necessary !  Lord  help,  for  vain  is  the 
help  of  man. 

"  To  what  I  am  destined  I  cannot  tell,  nor  am  I 

13  J.  B.  Taylor 


146  MEMOIR   OF 

anxious.  I  am  blest  with  contentment  while  the  con- 
viction abides  with  me  that  it  is  my  duty  to  prepare,  if 
possible,  for  any  station  i^i  the  church,  and  then  to  ac- 
cept of  that  to  which  Providence  shall  call  me.  My 
views  are  changed  wholly  from  what  they  were  for  a 
short  time.  I  am  very  deeply  impr^lsed  with  the  ne- 
cessity of  a  ihoroMgh.  full  course  of  preparation.  The 
Lord  has  done  great  and  good  things  for  me,  whereof 
I  am  glad." 

Diary.  "July  4,  1823. — The  Lord  is  as  strangely 
good  as  I  am  in  practice  strangely  perverse ;  yet  I 
sometimes  think  I  am  the  happiest  creature  on  earth. 
But  why  am  I  thus  ?  Never  do  I  feel  myself  more  in- 
significant and  mean  than  when  I  am  blessed  with  an 
overpowering  sense  of  the  divine  presence  ;  and  yet 
with  strong  confidence  do  I  approach  my  heavenly  Fa- 
ther. I  do  not,  cannot  doubt  my  being  a  son  of  faithful 
Abraham,  and  therefore  a  child  of  promise.  Not  unto 
me  be  praise,  but  to  him  who  hath  procured  it  for  me, 
and  blessed  me  with  this  adoption. 

"  5. — Had  a  precious  season  before  the  throne  of 
grace  this  morning.  O  the  hidden  mystery — 'tis  hid- 
den from  the  world.  Surely  the  sweetest  moments 
enjoyed  by  the  children  of  God  are  when  the  world 
is  entirely  shut  out.  Could  the  Avorld  know  this; 
could  they  have  one  glimpse  of  the  light  that  beams 
upon  the  souls  of  the  saints  ;  could  they  enjoy  the 
hope  which  the  flame  of  divine  love  kindles  in  the 
heart  that  trusts  in  Christ,  they  would  be  constrained 
to  call  him  '  the  pearl  of  great  price.'  O  the  heaven 
of  love  I  This  evening,  too,  I  am  astonished  at  the 
goodness  of  the  Lord  j  I  am  a  wonder  to  myself  when 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  147 

I  look  at  former  years;  my  cup  runneth  over — my 
heart  is  too  full  for  utterance  ;  but  the  Lord  knoweth 
its  meaning.  Went  after  meeting  to  meditate  among 
the  tombs.  It  was  starlight,  but  yet  the  darkness  was 
sufficient  to  screen  me  from  the  view  of  passing  stran- 
gers. In  this  land  of  silence  all  was  solemn  as  death. 
And  there,  on  the  marble  slab  that  covers  the  remains 
of  a  young  man  who  died  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  I  sat 
down  and  meditated  upon  my  own  dissolution.  I  look- 
ed at  my  feet,  my  hands,  my  body  ;  and  must  these 
soon  be  mouldering  in  the  dust  ?  I  recoiled  not  at  the 
prospect ;  I  praised  the  Lord  for  his  love  to  me,  and 
for  the  calm  serenity  of  soul  I  possessed.  My  mind 
was  now  led  to  our  dear  family.  While  whole  fami- 
lies have  been  desolated,  ours  remain  entire.  What 
a  mercy  that  they  have  been  spared,  and  that  nine  of 
them  are  hopefully  pious  !  Here  my  soul  cried  to  God 
in  behalf  of  all.  I  knew  not  but  some  of  them  might 
be  dead,  and  the  tidings  on  the  way.  Would  I  have 
them  mourn  at  my  departure  ?  Would  they  keep  me 
from  home  ?  And  should  I  wish  them  to  stay  were  it 
the  will  of  the  Master  to  come  and  call  for  them  ? 
No,  I  replied,  although  it  would  be  a  great  trial  to  bid 
them  farewell — to  see  them  no  more  on  the  earth. 

"  I  looked  at  what  was  before  me — the  work  in 
which  I  long  to  be  engaged,  and  prayed  for  wisdom 
to  direct  and  grace  to  help.  And  now  I  retire.  Come, 
sweet  repose  ;  come  life,  come  death,  come  what  will, 
the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done. 

"6.  Sabbath  evening. — What  shall  I  render  to  the 
Lord  for  his  goodness  this  day  ?  Words  fail :  '  'tis  un- 
speakable and  full  of  glory.'  O  the  sweet  communi- 
cations of  grace  and  love  I    He  has  followed  me  with 


148  MEMOIR   OF 

his  loving-kindness.  I  felt  deeply  the  import  of  these 
precious  truths  :  '  In  whom  ye  also  trusted,  after  that 
ye  heard  the  word  of  truth,  the  Gospel  of  your  salva- 
tion ;  in  whom  also,  after  that  ye  believed,  ye  were 
SEALED  with  the  Holy  Spirit  of  promise,  which  is  the 
earnest  of  our  inheritance.'  I  doubt  not  I  have  expe- 
rienced all  this  ;  I  feel  that  I  have  been  '  sealed.''  The 
sweet  ''earnest  pervades  my  inmost  soul,  and  all  is 
heaven  there.  How  precious  is  Jesus  !  It  is  he  that 
charms  and  comforts  my  heart.  I  hear  men  talk  of  the 
works  of  creation,  of  lofty  mountains  and  pleasant 
vales,  of  verdant  plains,  of  foaming  cataracts  and  gen- 
tle rills,  the  sturdy  oak  and  the  forests  green,  the  fra- 
grant flowers  and  the  standing  corn  ;  I  hear  them  talk 
of  fine  houses,  handsome  furniture,  grand  equipage  and 
royal  splendor;  and  a  thousand  other  things  which 
they  seem  to  admire  almost  to  adoration.  But  these 
are  not  my  God.  The  heavens  indeed  declare  the  glory 
of  God  ;  the  firmament  showeth  his  handiwork  j  all 
nature  is  stamped  with  Deity.  But  what  are  these "? 
One  glimpse  of  thee,  my  dearest  Lord,  one  glimpse  ot 
thee,  as  seen  in  the  Gospel,  outshines  them  all ;  and 
when  thou  art  near,  my  soul  rises  above  all  sublunary 
things.  Thou  art  my  satisfying  portion.  To-day  have 
I  been  on  Pisgah's  top,  and  seen  the  promised  land. 
Not  long,  and  I  shall  rise  higher.  O  blessed  prospect ' 
Now  I  go  again  to  meditate  among  the  tombs — I  love 
such  a  retreat — to  look  into  my  heart — into  the  grave — 
into  eternity.  How  solemn  is  this  place  !  Death  with 
his  iron  grasp  has  dragged  down  his  hundreds  to  this 
field  of  graves.  The  young,  the  old,  the  middle-aged, 
lie  promiscuous  here ;  the  rich,  the  poor,  the  white,  the 
black,  all  mingle  and  know  no  distinction.  How  many 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  149 

lessons — important  lessons  are  to  b^e  learned  here.  Be 
wise,  O  my  soul ;  the  day  of  death  comes  on  apace — 
soon  this  body  must  be  conveyed  to  the  tomb — art  thou 
ready  ?  Thanks  to  him  who  is  the  Judge  of  the  quick 
and  the  dead,  with  the  utmost  composure  I  can  look 
death  in  the  face,  I  expect  no  pang ;  the  sting  of  death 
is  sin ;  this  the  Lord  has  plucked  away.  I  feel  nothing 
contrary  to  love.  My  body  may  be  racked  with,  pain — 
but  what  of  that?  my  Savior  suffered.  But  my  soul,  I 
have  no  doubt,  will  be  tranquil  and  unruffled.  I  can 
truly  say,  I  am  glad  that  I  was  born  to  die.  Once,  part 
of  my  grave-clothes  were  prepared  for  me.  The  Lord 
spared  me.  Alas !  had  I  been  taken  away  then,  it  had 
been  in  my  sins.  O  the  goodness,  the  long-suffering 
patience  of  the  Lord  !   Praise  his  name  for  ever. 

"  Saturday  evening,  July  11. — About  to  record  the 
goodness  of  the  Lord  to  an  unworthy  sinner — where 
shall  I  begin  ?  where  end  1  It  is  too  wonderful  for  me ; 
I  cannot  attain  unto  it.  The  earth  is  full  of  the  good- 
ness of  the  Lord,  But  my  soul  knoweth  that  he  is 
good,  and  his  mercy  endure'th  for  ever.  It  is  indescrib- 
able, I  took  my  usual  walk,  and  at  length  reached  the 
oft-frequented  tree,  where  I  sat  down  and  read,  and 
my  heart  went  up  to  the  Lord ;  and  his  word  was 
'  spirit  and  life,'  '  quick  and  powerful,'  and  sweet  to 
my  taste.  Surely  I  never  had  such  captivating  views 
of  the  Lord  Jesus.  He  was  there  in  his  power  and 
love — but  language  fails  me  to  tell  all  his  manifested 
glories. 

*  While  faith  presents  the  Savior's  death, 

And  whispers  'this  is  thine;' 
Sweetly  my  rising  hours  advance, 
And  peacefully  decline. 
13* 


150  MEMOIR   OF 

•  While  such  my  views,  the  radiant  snn 

Sheds  a  more  sprightly  ray ; 
Each  object  smiles ;  all  nature  charms- 
I  sing  my  cares  away.' 

"After  attending  prayer-meeting  I  betook  myself 
again  to  the  land  of  silence.  How  many  mementos  of 
mortality!  They  lie  thick  around.  'lam  the  resur- 
rection and  the  life'  was  brought  to  my  mind  as  I  en- 
tered the  grave-yard,  and  leaned  over  the  grave  of  one 
who  had  died  in  the  faith,  and  contemplated  the  sleep- 
ing dust,  as  it  is  now,  and  as  it  will  be  when  the  trump 
of  God  shall  sound.  I  thought  of  what  I  shall  soon  be 
myself.  As  I  meditated,  the  Lord  drew  near,  and  my 
heart  burned  with  love.  There  I  renewedly  gave  my 
all  to  him,  and  as  I  returned  to  my  '  Bethel,'  felt  my- 
self perfectly  happy.  Little  did  I  once  think  I  should 
ever  be  so  highly  favored.  But  for  this  I  sought,  and 
pleaded,  and  groaned  for  years.  Bless  the  Lord ;  he  is 
not  slack  concerning  his  promises — he  came  sud- 
denly to  this  temple — he  baptized  me  with  the  Holy 
Ghost — to  his  name  be  all  the  glory. 

"  12.  Sabbath. — Spoke  to  the  colored  people  this  P. 
M.  '  Ethiopia  shall  soon  stretch  forth  her  hands  unto 
God.'  How  they  are  degraded  and  frowned  upon  by 
white  people  !  My  very  soul  pities  their  condition,  both 
in  this  country  and  in  Africa.    Heard  that  a  murder 

was  committed  a  short  distance  from  L .    A  man 

ran  a  pitchfork  through  the  head  of  another.  Alas  !  the 
effects,  the  awful  effects  of  sin  !  When  shall  iniquity- 
hide  its  hideous  form?  But  why  am  not  I  the  mur- 
derer ?  Distinguishing  grace  !  Lord,  keep  my  feet  that 
they  slide  not.  And  may  I  never  grieve  the  Holy  Spi- 
rit, by  which  I  have  no  doubt  I  have  been  sealed  to 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  151 

the  day  of  redemption.  Blessed  hope  !  Sweet  expec- 
tation !  Transporting  prospect !  Heavenly  assurance  ! 
Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ! 

"July  15. — It  is  Jesus  constitutes  my  heaven  below. 
What  a  delightful  manifestation  of  the  Savior  I  have 
just  had.  An  angel's  tongue  might  tell,  but  mine  utter- 
ly fails.  This  is  the  day  of  the  week  on  which  I  re- 
ceived an  unction  from  the  Holy  Ghost,  m  a  manner 
and  measure  of  which  before  I  had  no  conception. 
What  a  blessed  reality  is  religion :  O  how  divine ! 
The  Lord  communicates  with  the  soul  as  clearly^  as 
convincingly^  and  as  feelingly^  as  man  with  man, 
face  to  face. 

"  19. — Since  I  wrote  last  I  have  not  had  those  lively 
feelings  of  nearness  to  God  until  last  evening,  when 
great  grace  rested  upon  me.  I  think  I  never  had  such 
humiliating  views  of  myself,  and  such  a  sense  of  the 
condescension  of  God.  My  soul  got  low  at  the  feet  of 
Jesus,  and  I  bathed  them  with  my  tears.  How  sweet ! 
and  how  welcome  to  my  soul !  It  was  indeed  refresh- 
ing, and  I  could  only  praise  and  adore  my  God,  and 
admire  the  mysterious,  wonderful  relation  I  sustain  to 
him  as  ray  Father — my  Savior — my  Sanctifier.  What 
a  debt  of  gratitude  I  owe  for  all  the  goodness  of  the 
Lord  !  He  has  taken  me  up  and  set  me  among  princes  ; 
from  being  a  child  of  the  devil,  to  be  an  heir  of  heaven. 

"  In  contemplating  my  latter  end,  the  question  arose 
what  inscription  would  you  have  on  your  tomb-stone  ? 
And  in  thought  I  answered  : 

"  '  Here  lies .  A  sinner,  born  again ;  a  sinner, 

washed,  and  justified,  and  sanctified.  A  smner,  once 
an  heir  of  hell,  a  child  of  the  devil,  by  wicked  works  ; 
but  by  grace^  a  child  of  God  and  an  heir  of  heaven  j 


152  MEMOIR   OP 

a  miracle  of  grace,  deserving  all  the  miseries  of  the 
second  death;  and  yet  an  expectant  of  endless  glory 
and  felicity.  Farewell  earth ;  welcome  heaven.  I  am 
nothing;  Jesus  is  all.' 

"  July  23. — In  reviewing  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  to 
me  during  the  past  month,  I  think  I  have  experienced 
clearer  and  more  powerful  manifestations  of  his  love 
and  sanctifying  grace  than  in  any  former  month  of  my 
life.  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his 
benefits  towards  the  unworthiest  of  his  creatu^res  ? 
Through  fasting,  my  body  is  weak,  though  I  feel  strong 
in  the  inner  man.  May  the  months  to  come  find  me 
more  spiritual  and  heavenly-minded.  I  long  for  in- 
creased conformity  to  the  Lord  Jesus.  O  for  daily 
transformation  into  his  likeness,  till  I  shall  see  him  as 
he  is.  I  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth ;  but 
more  and  more  am  I  impressed  with  the  absolute  ne- 
cessity of  a  well-laid  foundation  for  future  usefulness ; 
and  yet  I  have  a  most  earnest  desire  to  be  in  the  field, 
whence  is  the  cry,  '  Come  over  and  help  us.'  Still 
the  providence  of  God  seems  clearly  and  forcibly  to 
utter  his  voice,  '  Stay,'  and  I  willingly  submit ;  and 
enter  the.  sophomore  instead  of  the  junior  class,  and 
to  spend  another  year  in  hard  study  of  the  Latin  and 
Greek,  that  I  may  be  well  grounded.  How  different 
my  views  from  those  entertained  a  year  ago.  With 
disgust  I  perused  to-day  some  of  my  records  made 
about  that  time,  and  was  strongly  tempted  to  destroy 
them.  But  I  still  preserve  them  as  mementos  of  my 
folly ;  yet  lessons  of  wisdom  have  been  learned  from 
those  very  circumstances ;  lessons  invaluable,  though 
bought  at  a  very  dear  rate.  I  hope  they  will  be  turned 
to  good  account.    '  All  things  work  together  for  good, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  153 

to  them  that  love  God.'  This  I  believe,  and  am  per- 
suaded those  things  were  for  my  good ;  for  through 
them  I  have  seen  and  known  more  of  myself — more 
of  man — more  of  God.  I  have  since  possessed  a  con- 
tented mind,  which  has  been  a  continued  feast.  My 
feet  had  well  nigh  slipped,  but  the  Lord  held  me  up. 
To  his  worthy  name  be  all  the  praise. 

"  Abraham  went  out,  not  knowing  whither  he  went. 
I  know  nothing  of  my  future  destiny.  I  see,  should 
my  life  be  extended,  six  years  of  preparation  before 
me.  I  feel  much  interest  both  in  the  Palestine  and 
Burman  missions.  But,  speak,  Lord,  thy  servant  hear- 
eth.  If  there  be  a  spot  on  earth  where  thou  wilt  render 
me  a  co-worker  with  thyself,  I  consult  not  my  own 
will.  Nay,  if  thou  hast  nothing  for  me  to  do,  I  would 
stand  still  and  see  the  salvation  of  God.  I  am  not  my 
own — I  am  the  bought  property  of  the  great  Head  of 
the  church.    Go  or  stay — live  or  die.   Amen. 

"  August  10. — Last  evening's  hour  of  devotion  was 
spent  on  the  bed,  to  gain  relief  for  the  suffering  body. 
It  was  a  seasonable  and  '  light  affliction.'  It  showed 
me  my  frailty — my  insufficiency — my  dependence  on 
the  Lord  for  every  mercy.  How  important  is  health 
for  usefulness.  Hence  the  necessity  of  great  watchful- 
ness and  care  to  guard  against  disease,  particularly  in 
the  minister,  and  candidate  for  the  holy  office.  Alas  ! 
how  many  young  men  throw  away  their  after-life, 
during  their  preparatory  course.  May  I  be  guided  wise- 
ly, having — 1st.  devotion,  2d.  exercise,  3d.  study,  as 
my  principal  daily  objects,  with  an  eye  single  to  the 
glory  of  God. 

'•  Aug.  21. — This  evening  I  had  a  blessed  season, 
in  waiting  upon  the  Lord.    My  spiritual  strength  was 


154  MEMOIR    OF 

renewed.  I  had  a  refreshing  view  of  Jesus.  O  how 
much  better  than  the  pleasures  pursued  by  the  world  ! 
There  is  a  ball  in  the  neighborhood  this  evening. 
Once  I  loved  such  scenes  :  but  then  I  was  a  child  of 
sin.  The  Lord  be  praised  for  turning  my  mind  from 
folly  at  so  early  a  period.  Was  it  that  I  might  do 
something  in  his  cause  before  I  die?  I  trust  he  is 
training  me  for  usefulness.  /  know  not ; — but  He  will 
make  it  plain.  Lord,  make  me  holy.  Help  me  to  ex- 
ercise myself  unto  godliness,  and  to  strive  in  all  things 
to  approve  myself  unto  thee." 

In  all  Mr.  Taylor's  papers,  whether  journal,  notes,  or 
letters,  we  find  the  same  spirit  of  piety  and  Christian 
benevolence  ;  the  same  ardent  desire  that  others  should 
enjoy  the  sweet  communications  of  divine  grace  with 
which  his  own  soul  was  enriched.  And  while  he  la- 
bored and  prayed  for  his  own  growth  in  grace,  he 
was  ever  ready  to  use  all  the  means  within  his  reach 
to  awaken  the  careless,  to  bring  sinners  to  repentance, 
and  to  urge  on  the  Christian  in  his  race  Among  the 
numerous  letters  from  which  our  selections  and  ex- 
tracts are  taken,  there  is  not  one  which  does  not 
breathe  the  spirit  of  love  to  Christ  and  to  the  saints. 

To  Miss  H ,  he  wrote  from  Lawrenceville,  Au- 
gust, 1823. 

"  Since  I  had  the  opportunity  of  inquiring,  as  I  was 
wont  to  do,  into  your  spiritual  condition,  you,  doubt- 
less, have  had  many  a  conflict  with  the  world,  the 
flesh,  and  the  devil.  But  what  are  these  ?  They  are, 
indeed,  enemies  of  our  souls  ;  but  he  who  is  'made  of 
God  unto  us  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and 


JAMES    BKAINERD    TAYLOR.  155 

redemption,'  will  give  us  the  victory.  Whatever  our 
conflicts  or  trials,  afflictions  or  disappointments,  iu 
(his  vale  of  tears,  let  us  receive  them  as  included  iu 
the  legacy  of  our  Lord  :  '  In  the  world  ye  shall  have 
tribulation  ;  but  be  of  good  cheer,  I  have  overcome  the 
world.' 

"  On  how  many  places  have  we  inscribed,  '  Hitherto 
hath  the  Lord  helped  us !'  Then  let  us  believe  that 
'  the  Lord  will  provide.'  I  am  a  witness  that  the  Lord 
will  provide — '  The  Lord  is  my  shepherd,  I  shall  not 
want.' — '  We  are  of  more  value  than  many  sparrows.' 
Will  not  the  Lord  take  care  of  his  children  ?  The  cat- 
tle upon  a  thousand  hills  are  his — the  earth  too,  with 
all  its  fullness.  He  hath  stores  of  blessings  to  supply 
not  only  our  temporal  but  our  spiritual  necessities,  and 
will  he  not  do  it?  Yes,  there  is  in  our  Father's  house 
bread  enough  and  to  spare.  Even  here  on  earth,  we 
may  feed  on  angels'  food ;  and  how  delicious  !  I  trust 
you  have  been  richly  fed  at  the  table  of  our  Lord  from 
day  to  day.  The  time  was  when  we  were  strangers — 
entire  strangers  to  this  sweet  repast,  because  we  knew 
not  the  grace  of  God  ;  but  to  me,  though  unworthy  of 
the  crumbs  that  fall  from  my  Master's  table,  the  Lord 
has  granted  Gospel-measure — pressed  down,  shaken 
together,  and  running  over ;  great  grace  has  been  upon 
me.  The  windows  of  heaven  have  been  opened,  and 
showers  have  come  down  and  more  than  filled  my 
soul.  The  Lord  has  indeed  done  great  things  for  me, 
whereof  I  am  glad.  I  have  no  language  to  describe 
the  heaven  of  love  towards  God  and  man  which  I  have 
enjoyed  during  the  last  fifteen  months.  Of  this  I  do 
not  boast,  for  the  Lord  hath,  in  condescension  and  love 


166  MEMOIR   OF 

inflnitej  bestowed  it  upon  a  worm,  the  unworthiest  of 
creation ;  and  to  him  be  all  the  glory. 

"  Does  the  Holy  Spirit  bear  witness  with  your  spirit 
that  you  are  a  child  of  God  ?  This  is  the  privilege  of 
every  soul  that  has  been  born  of  the  Spirit.  The  frnit 
of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  &c.  Where  these 
abound,  there  the  witness  of  the  Spirit  is  enjoyed. 
Then  it  is  that  the  soul,  with  child-like  simplicity,  and 
with  filial  confidence  and  affection,  approaches  God 
and  cries — Father — Abba — Father  ;  then  it  is  that 
death  loses  its  terrors — the  grave  its  gloom — the  bar 
of  God  its  dreadfal  aspect — and  hell  its  horrors — rather, 
the  horrors  of  hell  are  deepened,  but  the  fear  of  them 
is  gone.  The  soul,  with  this  experience,  is  conscious 
of  reconciliation  with  God  its  Father — Jesus  smiles — 
the  Comforter  is  present — and  heaven  is  desired  as  the 
home  of  the  saint. 

"  To  enjoy  all  this  should  be  our  constant  aim;  for 
Jesus,  dying,  purchased  it  for  us,  and  living,  he  is 
ready  to  bestow  it  all  upon  us.  The  Lord  make  room 
in  our  hearts  for  the  full  reception  of  himself,  with  all 
his  train  of  graces,  and  finally  give  us  an  abundant  en- 
trance into  his  kingdom  to  enjoy  him  for  ever. 

"  Farewell — yours  in  Christian  bonds, 

"Jas.  B.  Taylor." 

To  return  to  those  evidences  of  Christian  character 
afforded  so  abundantly  in  Mr.  T.'s  Journal,  we  tran- 
scribe the  record  of  his  exercises,  bearing  date  Sep- 
tember 10,  in  which  he  appears,  as  might  have  been 
believed  without  this  direot  evidence,  to  have  had  a 
conscience  remarkably  tender,  and  much  alive  to  every 
thing  that  bore  even  the  appearance  of  evil. 


JAMES  BRAIN ERD  TAYLOR.  157 

"  How  various  are  the  assaults  of  Satan  !  Last  night 
1  had  a  dream,  in  which  a  temptation  was  presented 
to  my  mind,  and  I  Avas  overcome.  This  morning  I  felt 
shorn  of  my  spiritual  strength,  which  I  attributed  to 
that  circumstance.  Perhaps  this  was  a  chastisement 
for  an  unguarded  expression  which  I  uttered  to  a  gen- 
tleman who  came  in  during  my  hour  of  devotion — and 
seeing  me  engaged  with  a  book,  proposed  to  retire,  say- 
ing he  would  not  interrupt  me  ;  to  whom  I  replied, 
'  No  interruption.'  This  was  intended  only  as  a  civi- 
lity ;  but  my  conscience  smote  me ;  for  he  was  inter- 
rupting the  sweet  exercise  in  which  I  was  engaged.  I 
looked  to  the  Lord  for  pardon,  and  afterwards  enjoyed 
a  blessed  season  of  communion. 

"  Sept.  14. — I  found,  on  coming  home  this  evening, 
a  note  from  Mrs.  M.  S.,  telling  me  of  her  deliverance 
from  distress,  and  her  joy  in  the  Lord.  She  says,  '  My 
friend,  I  hope  to  hail  you  in  heaven,  as  the  instrument 
in  God's  hand  of  bringing  me  to  the  feet  of  Jesus.' 

"  15.— This  day  brings  to  mind  the  time  when  I 
publicly  declared  myself  the  Lord's  servant— seven 
years  have  passed  since  I  professed  religion — O  how 
much  !  What  great  and  glorious  things  the  Lord  has 
done  for  me  since  that  time — and  still  I  experience  his 
goodness. 

"  16. — Blessed  are  they  who  are  persecuted  for 
righteousness'  sake.  I  have  had  a  small  share  of  that 
blessedness  to-day  ;  and  I  rejoice  in  it,  because  it  arose 
from  doing  my  duty  in  conversing  with  sinners  with 
plainness,  which  is  never  acceptable  to  a  proud  heart — 
and  from  giving  testimony  of  the  love  of  God  in  my 
soul,  to  lukewarm  professors,  and  urging  the  necessi- 

14  J.  B.  Taylor. 


158  MEMOIR  or 

ty  of  a  deep  work  of  grace  in  the  heart,  and  of  the  coil' 
tinual  witness  of  the  Spirit. 

"  Did  David  say,  '  Come  and  hear,  all  ye  that  feai 
God,  and  I  will  tell  what  he  hath  done  for  my  soul  V 
and  may  not  Christians  now  tell  of  the  goodness  of 
the  Lord  to  them?  Did  Paul  say,  '  We  know  that  if 
the  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we 
have  a  building  of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands, 
eternal  in  the  heavens?'  and  may  not  the  heart  that 
enjoys  the  same  assurance,  express  it  in  the  same  lan- 
guage, even  though  professors  of  religion  brand  the 
assertion  as  an  evidence  of  self-righteousness  ? 

"  Lord,  never  let  the  fear  of  man  ensnare  me ;  and 
may  I  ever  be  a  bold  witness  for  Jesus,  and  for  the  at- 
tainment of  that  perfect  love  which  casteth  out  fear. 

"  Sept.  IS. — Another  death  in  the  neighborhood  ! 
How  frequent  and  how  swift  the  shafts  of  the  destroyer 
amongst  us  !  Whose  time  comes  next  ?  Lord,  is  it  I  ? 
After  attending  a  funeral,  at  which  I  stood  up  between 
the  living  and  the  dead,  and  spoke  to  the  people,  from 
'  the  time  is  short,'  I  took  my  accustomed  walk,  with 
a  heart  full  of  gratitude  to  the  Lord  for  my  sweet  and 
cheerful  hopes.  I  thought  this  might  be  my  last  walk 
along  that  oft-frequented  path,  as  my  time  at  Law- 
renceville  is  coming  to  a  close.  What  a  delightful  re- 
treat this  has  been  to  me  !  But  this  evening  I  agonized 
in  spirit  as  I  had  never  done  before,  in  prayer  for  this 

people.  "While  thus  engaged  I  unexpectedly  met , 

and  with  streaming  eyes  addressed  him.  He  wept — 
the  Lord  bless  his  soul  with  conversion  !  As  I  left  him 
1  wrestled  in  prayer  for  him,  and  for  our  neighbors. 
My  soul  was  pressed  down  with  the  weight  of  anxie- 
ty,   I  felt  for  their  eternal  interests.    When  arrived  at 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  159 

the  memorable  tree,  I  fell  before  the  Lord,  to  vent  my 
sorrows  there.  O  the  longing  I  had  for  this  people  I 
All  I  asked  was,  for  Christ's  sake,  that  salvation  might 
come  to  them.  While  thus  wrestling  and  weeping  be- 
fore my  heavenly  Father,  an  aged  man  drew  near.  I 
espied  him,  but  did  not  rise  from  my  knees,  and  as  he 
came  near  I  spoke  to  him,  and  testified  of  the  love  of 
Jesus.  I  found  he  had  no  religion.  I  spoke  to  him 
plainly  and  with  a  full  heart.  He  soon  began  to  weep, 
and  wished  me  to  pray  with  him  and  for  him.  I  did 
with  earnestness  and  with  tears,  and  then  exhorted 
him  to  repent  and  to  come  to  Christ  now.  He  left  me 
with  apparent  concern.  Lord,  save  his  soul,  and  let  it 
not  be  in  vain  that  he  came  hither.  He  said  he  thought 
the  Lord  had  sent  him.  I  returned  home  rejoicing  in 
the  Lord,  and  happy  in  his  love. 

"  Sabbath,  Sept.  21. — How  pleasantly  this  morning 
dawns  upon  me,  a  sinner  saved  by  grace. 

"  I  betook  myself  to  the  mercy-seat,  and  held  sweet 
communion  with  heaven.    Had  a  spirit  of  prayer  for 

the  people  of  L ,  but  more  particularly  for  my  dear 

friend  L.  P.  Rivers  of  waters  ran  down  my  eyes,  while 
I  forgot  myself  and  interceded  for  him.  Is  this  all  for 
nought?  Is  this  agonizing  spirit  given  in  vain?  I  ex- 
pect— I  wait  for  the  answer,  while  I  hope  for  his  con- 
version. How  long,  O  Lord,  how  long?  Come,  Lord 
Jesus,  come  quickly. 

"  This  has  been  a  high  day  to  my  soul.  The  Lord 
was  with  me  in  his  temple,  and  filled  me  with  his 
love.  It  is  my  last  attendance  upon  divine  worship, 
statedly,  in  this  village,  and  I  think  it  has  been  the 
best.  Dr.  N.  preached  on  the  text,  '  Ye  were  as  sheep 
going  astray,  but  are  now  returned  to  the  shepherd 


160  MEMOIR   OF 

and  bishop  of  your  souls.'  The  word  was  spirit  and 
life ;  and  I  received  the  truth  in  the  love  of  it,  while  it 
melted  my  heart  into  love  to  Jesus,  who  had,  as  the 
good  Shepherd,  searched  me  out,  and  reclaimed  me 
from  my  wanderings.  How  often  has  he  led  me  into 
green  pastures,  and  made  me  lie  down  beside  the  still 
v/aters  ! 

"  I  went  this  morning  to  visit  a  sick  person — and 
now  it  is  a  matter  of  astonishment  that  I  am  recording 
the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord  and  celebrating  his 
praises  on  the  earth — surely  nothing  but  the  provi- 
dence of  God  has  preserved  me."  (Having  been,  on 
this  visit,  twice  thrown  by  a  wild  ungovernable  horse.) 

"  I  experienced  but  little  inconvenience  from  my 
falls,  though  I  had  a  very  narrow  escape.  There  seems 
to  have  been  but  a  step  between  me  and  death :  but  I 
thank  God  for  these  occurrences,  for  they  have  been 
already  sanctified  to  my  spiritual  good.  The  good 
Shepherd  made  it  the  occasion  of  rich  and  bounteous 
provision  since  my  return.  I  was  not  frightened,  but 
my  soul  was  full  of  praise  at  the  time,  and  I  have  since 
had  a  precious  season,  interceding  before  the  Lord  for 
myself  and  my  friend  L.  P.  This  friend  has  been  much 
on  my  heart  to-day.  Can  it  be  for  nothing?  Lord, 
save,  or  he  will  perish — and  bless  his  household. 

"  Sept.  22. — I  was  examined  in  the  morning,  and  in 
the  evening  delivered  an  oration  on  science,  with  the 
valedictory  address.  Thus  ended  my  academical 
course,  during  which  I  have  had  a  diversified  expe- 
rience. May  the  Lord,  by  his  good  providence,  direct 
me  in  my  future  goings,  and  lead  me  on  to  final  vic- 
tory and  heavenly  glory." 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  161 

Mr.  Taylor  now  left  Lawrenceville  on  a  visit  to  his 
friends  in  New-York  and  Connecticut,  previous  to  his 
entering  college  at  Princeton. 

During  this  visit,  we  find  him  the  same  engaged, 
actively  benevolent,  and  devoted  Christian;  endeavor- 
mg  to  let  his  light  shine,  both  among  Christians  and 
before  the  world;  telling  them  what  the  Lord  had 
done  for  him,  and  what  he  required  of  them.  Both 
^^  publicly,  and  from  house  to  house,^^  he  was  em- 
ployed in  commending  his  Master,  in  laboring  to  in- 
duce Christians  to  strive  for  higher  attainments  in 
holy  love  and  devotedness  to  his  cause,  and  in  warn- 
ing and  exhorting  sinners  to  repent  without  delay,  and 
submit  themselves  to  Jesus  Christ,  as  their  Lord  and 
Savior. 

Mr.  Taylor  seemed,  even  then,  to  have  very  clear 
views  of  a  subject,  which  to  many  Christians,  and 
Christian  ministers,  appears  to  be  still  enveloped  in 
darkness,  viz.  the  duty  of  sinners  immediately  to  re- 
pent and  give  their  hearts  to  Christ.  While  no  one 
could  have  had  a  stronger  faith  in  the  doctrines  of 
grace,  and  of  man's  entire  dependence  upon  God ;  nor 
have  been  more  ready  and  delighted  to  ascribe  every 
thing  to  God,  both  in  providence  and  in  grace ;  yet  his 
mind  took  a  strong  grasp  upon  the  bmding  force  of  ob- 
ligation ;  for  his  heart  felt  it,  and  he  pressed  duty  upon 
both  saints  and  sinners  with  a  success  which  proved 
that  God  was  with  him  blessing  his  labors :  which 
has  been  acknowledged  by  many  in  life,  and  will  doubt- 
less be  gratefully  owned  by  them  in  heaven  for  ever. 
There  is  reason  to  believe  that  during  this  vacation 
Mr.  Taylor  was  made  the  instrument  of  exciting  a 
14* 


162  MEMOIR   OF 

more  vigorous  tone  of  piety  in  several  churches,  and 
of  bringing  a  number  of  sinners  to  repentance. 

At  length  the  time  arrived  for  his  return  *o  study ; 
and,  to  use  his  own  language, 

"  Having  spent  a  week  in  the  hous>e  of  my  Rev.  fa- 
ther H ,  and  in  the  bosom  of  his  endeared  family, 

and  in  laboring  in  the  Lord's  vineyard,  the  wind  came 

fair,  and  I  embarked  on  board  the  S ,  Capt.  W , 

anticipating  a  pleasant  passage  :  I  have  no  doubt  of  its 
having  been  a  profitable  one ;  for  it  was  trying  to  the 
faith  of  God's  children,  and  alarming  to  the  wicked. 
Our  company  consisted  of  the  captain,  two  hands,  four 
passengers,  two  children,  and  myself.  We  had  pro- 
ceeded about  twenty  miles,  when  the  wind  increased 
and  blew  violently.  In  the  midst  of  the  gale  our  boom 
unshipped,  and  left  us  in  a  perilous  condition — the 
prospect  was  that  we  should  capsize,  and  be  swallowed 
up  in  the  waves.  All  above  was  terrific.  The  billows 
dashed,  the  sea  roared,  the  winds  howled,  and  the  hail 
rattled.  All  below  was  solemn.  We  thought  on  awful 
subjects — death — a  watery  grave — the  bar  of  God — 
heaven — hell.  The  captain  I  believe  to  be  a  godly 
man :  one  more  on  board  beside  myself  had  a  hope 
which  was  an  anchor  to  the  soul :  the  rest  were  unre- 
conciled to  God.  Alas  !  their  prospect  was  despair. 
I  thought,  indeed,  that  I  was  nearer  my  heavenly  home 
than  my  father's  house.  It  seemed  that  there  was  but 
a  stept  betwixt  me  and  death.  But,  in  the  midst  of  the 
alarm  God  was  with  me  to  allay  all  turbulence  within. 
I  looked  to  him  for  a  promise,  and  he  graciously  gave 
me  this,  '  Fear  not,  I  am  with  thee.'  It  was  sweet  to 
my  taste,  and  m'ade  me  strong,  while  I  lay  in  my  berth 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  163 

revolving  it  in  my  mind  and  calmly  waiting  the  issue, 
not  knowing  but  the  next  surge  would  enter  and  fill 
the  cabin  and  end  my  life. 

"A  young  lady,  one  of  those  that  experienced  reli- 
gion at  S ,  while  I  was  there,  was  quite  composed : 

but  another — O,  how  different !  O,  her  apparent  peni- 
tence !  her  cries  for  mercy  !  her  weeping  eyes  !  in  the 
prospect  of  death  and  damnation.  To  me  she  came  for 
help ;  but  not  to  myself — to  Christ  I  directed  her.  Alas  I 
the  infatuation  of  mortals,  to  put  off  preparation  for 
eternity  till  the  hour  of  danger.  But  thanks  to  the  Lord 
for  deliverance.  His  arm  was  stretched  out  for  our  re- 
lief. We  were  soon  moored,  and  rode  out  the  gale  in 
safety. 

"  I  found  my  friends  exceedingly  kind,  both  at  home 
and  in  New- York.  The  Lord  reward  my  parents,  and 
brothers,  and  sisters,  for  all  their  kindness  to  their  son 
and  brother.  I  doubt  not,  that  in  this  life  they  will 
have  a  hundred  fold ;  and  at  the  resurrection  of  the 
just,  be  acknowledged  as  helpers  of  the  helpless." 


CHAPTER  IV. 

First  year  in  College. 


On  the  6th  of  November,  1823,  in  the  22d  year  of 
his  age,  Mr.  Taylor  was  examined  and  admitted  a 
member  of  the  Sophomore  class,  in  the  college  of  Nas- 
sau Hail,  where  he  remained  three  years,  which  to 


164  MEMOIR   OF 

some,  and  especially  those  preparing  for  the  ministry, 
will  probably  appear  to  be  the  most  important  period 
of  his  life. 

It  can  hardly  have  escaped  the  observation  of  those 
who  are  interested  in  the  spiritual  prosperity  of  the 
church,  that  there  is  in  our  literary  institutions,  arising 
from  the  character  of  the  studies,  and  from  almost  ne- 
cessary associations,  what  may  be  called  the  college 
spirit— the  esprit  du  corps^  which  is  very  unfavorable 
to  the  attainment  of  a  high-toned  piety.  Indeed,  such 
is  its  contagion,  that  however  pious  and  devoted  our 
candidates  for  the  ministry  may  be  at  their  commenc- 
ing a  college  life,  the  instances  are  very  rare  in  which 
a  disinfecting  process  is  not  necessary  to  prepare  them 
for  entering  upon  the  duties  of  the  sacred  office.  To 
this  cause  must  be  attributed  much  of  that  want  of 
spirituality  which  has  been  the  bane  of  the  church 
through  all  her  eventful  history  j  and  to  find  an  effec- 
tual safeguard  against  the  legion  of  evils  arising  from 
this  source,  has  long  been  an  object  of  intense  desire 
with  those  who  are  wisely  zealous  for  her  true  and 
holy  interests. 

On  this  important  subject  the  life  of  Mr.  Taylor 
sheds  a  cheering  light,  which  shows  that  it  is  alto- 
gether practicable  to  pass  through  those  trying  scenes, 
not  only  without  losing  one's  spirituality,  but  with 
large  accessions  to  his  stores  of  self-knowledge,  and 
of  holy  devotedness  to  God  and  to  the  interests  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom. 

None,  indeed,  may  hope  to  encounter  the  trials  of 
such  a  life  without  many  a  hard  conflict ;  but  the  ex- 
ample before  us  will  show  that  these  trials  may  be  sus- 


JAiVIES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  165 

tained  with  advantage,  and  that  in  the  issue  victory 
will  crown  the  arms  of  grace. 

Perhaps  more  than  most  Christians  of  his  age,  Mr. 
Taylor  had  his  eye  directed  to  the  leadings  of  Provi- 
dence, and  more  uniformly  saw  the  hand  of  God  in 
every  thing  that  occurred.  With  this  habit  of  soul,  it 
was  natural  for  him  to  seek  and  rely  upon  the  divine 
direction  and  support. 

Having  entered  college,  he  writes  in  his  journal,  No- 
vember 6 : 

"  For  what  purpose  have  I  come  hither  ?  Lord, 
make  plain  the  path  of  duty,  and  give  me  grace  to  be 
faithful. 

"  8. — Have  been  somewhat  depressed  in  spirits  for 
two  days  past,  owing  to  a  combination  of  circum- 
stances ;  but  this  morning  I  was  enabled  to  cast  my 
burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  he  sustained  me.  My  soul 
enjoyed  a  refreshing  season.  Thus  I  find  that  these 
walls  do  not  shut  out  my  God.   How  blessed  I  am  ! 

"  9.  Sabbath. — Found  it  good  to  wait  on  the  Lord 
in  secret.  The  heavens  were  opened,  and  a  blessing 
poured  out  upon  my  soul.  Religion  can  be  enjoyed 
in  college.  Lord,  amidst  so  much  iniquity  keep  me 
spotless,  and  make  me  useful. 

"  16. — The  past  week  has  been  one  of  mercy  and 
goodness  from  the  hand  of  the  Lord.  Beside  a  token 
of  affectionate  regard  from  my  friend  L.  P.,  I  received 
one  from  my  brother  K.  These  favors  warmed  my 
heart  with  praise  to  God  and  gratitude  to  them. 

"  I  have  enjoyed  nearness  of  access  to  God  in  secret, 
and  had  a  spirit  of  intercession  for  others  as  well  as 
myself.    With  tenderness  and  anxiety  I  have  thought 


16G  MEMOIR   OP 

on  friends,  and  on  this  college ;  and  have  been  blessed 
with  a  spirit  of  prayer  for  them.  O  that  the  Lord 
would  come  in  mighty  power,  and  demolish  the  king- 
dom of  Satan,  and  build  up  his  cause.  The  Redeemer's 
kingdom  prospers  at  the  eastward,  and  souls  are  brought 
in  by  scores  ;  Lord,  send  laborers  into  the  harvest,  and 
work  by  whom  thou  wilt  work,  only  let  souls  come 
home  to  Jesus. 

"Nov.  23. — Lord,  what  am  I,  or  what  my  father's 
house,  that  thou  shouldst  visit  me  ?  The  Lord  is  good, 
and  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  This  day  and  this 
hour  have  I  enjoyed  the  spirit  of  adoption  sweetly 
drawing  my  inmost  soul  with  cords  of  love.  How  con- 
descending and  how  kind  to  me,  an  unworthy  worm. 
He  manifests  himself  as  my  Father  in  covenant.  The 
precious  Lamb  of  God  shows  himself  to  my  faith  as  a 
full  Savior,  and  reigns  in  my  heart  king  supreme. 
The  Holy  Spirit  comes  down  as  showers  that  water 
the  earth.  Praise  to  my  God  for  the  holy  unction  with 
which  I  have  this  day  been  anointed.  The  beauties  of 
my  beloved  Savior  have  captivated  my  heart,  and  yet 
my  cry  is,  '  more — my  Lord,  more  faith  which  works 
by  love.' 

"  '  When  thou  fastest,  anoint  thy  head  and  wash 
thy  face  ;  that  thou  appear  not  unto  men  to  fast,  but  to 
thy  Father  which  is  in  secret ;  and  thy  Father,  which 
seeth  in  secret,  shall  reward  thee  openly.'  Already  have 
I  been  rewarded.  In  the  very  act  has  my  soul  been 
abundantly  blessed,  and  thus  have  I  found  it  profitable 
to  fast  before  the  Lord  this  day.  The  blessing  which 
he  gave  me  nineteen  months  ago,  he  has  enabled  me 
to  call  to  mind  with  thankful  remembrance ;  may  he 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  167 

Still  make  my  habitation  a  dwelling  of  righteousness, 
of  peace,  joy,  and  holy  triumph. 

"  I  feel  the  want  of  a  kindred  spirit.  Where  is  the 
spirituality  of  the  church?  Where  are  the  men  and 
women  '  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost  V  Lord, 
purify  thy  church.  Had  an  interview  with  one  dear 
child  of  God,  whose  soul  appeared  warm  with  love 
and  decided  for  God  :  with  him  I  anticipate  much 
sweet  intercourse. 

"  Nov.  30. — Let  the  warrior  boast  of  his  armor,  and 
the  victor  of  his  conquest;  let  the  scribe  glory  in  his 
knowledge,  and  the  sophist  in  his  wisdom,  and  the 
worldling  in  his  wealth  and  pleasures.  But  God  forbid 
that  I  should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  by  which  I  am  crucified  to  the  world,  and  the 
world  unto  me. 

"  This  has  been  a  harvest  day  to  my  soul.  The  Sun 
of  righteousness  arose,  and  I  basked  in  his  beams, 
whose  fructifying  influence  brought  forth  the  good 
fruit,  love.  Indeed  it  is  heaven  upon  earth.  God  blesses 
me  from  day  to  day.  During  the  past  week  my  meat 
and  drink  have  been  sweet  antepasts  of  heaven — long- 
ing to  see  Jesus,  and  reign  with  him  above. 

"  Wrote  to  my  dear  friends,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  D . 

May  my  communication  be  a  word  in  season  to  that 
dear  family." 


In  this  letter  Mr.  Taylor  supposes  them  to  ask  him, 
"  How  do  you  like  college  life?  Can  you  enjoy  reli- 
gion there?"  And  then  answers  :  "  I  am  happy  to  re- 
ply that  I  am  pleased  with  residing  in  this  institution, 
for  several  reasons  ;  the  chief  of  which  is,  because  I 
believe  it  to  be  my  duty  to  be  here.     The  advantages 


168  MEMOIR   OF 

for  the  acquisition  of  knowledge  are  every  way  suffi- 
cient; sucli  as  proper  books  and  qualified  teachers,  and 
a  complete  system  of  operations.  This  regularity  of 
procedure  suits  me  well,  and  I  endeavor  '  to  have  a 
place  for  every  thing,  and  every  thing  in  its  place.* 
To  enjoy  religion,  as  you  know,  is  to  have  a  sense  of 
pardoned  sin,  and  the  presence  of  God  reconciled 
through  Christ.  This  can  only  be  felt  where  '  faith, 
that  worketh  by  love,'  is  in  exercise.  Where  this  faith 
is  in  exercise  no  college  walls,  no  sink  of  iniquity,  can 
shut  out  the  Lord.  '  'Tis  his  presence  makes  our  pa- 
radise below ;'  and  his  presence  I  have  felt  from  day 
to  day.  Glorious  have  been  the  manifestations  of  his 
love  to  my  believing,  rejoicing  heart.  In  this  Bethel 
I  have  experienced  many  such  seasons,  and  am  look- 
ing for  many  more.  They  are  the  sweet  earnests  of  a 
blessed  immortality.  Lord,  evermore  give  us  this  bread. 

"  But  a  word  to  Miss  S— -— .  Was  my  parting  word, 
'Be  faithful?'  I  trust  you  are  so,  giving  diligence  to 
make  your  calling  and  election  sure.  And  we  should, 
in  imitation  of  our  beloved  Master,  do  good  to  alL 
Why  are  we  not  more  ingenious  in  discovering  and 
disseminating  means  of  '  doing  good?^  This  is  a  day, 
if  I  may  call  it  so,  of  invention.  Cannot  yotc  invent 
something  for  the  good  of  the  church?  Think  and 
pray  over  this  suggestion  until  you  are  satisfied. 

"  A  word  to  S .    '  Son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me  ? 

Feed  m_y  sheep.'  How  mighty  this  question  !  And  the 
office  of  feeding  the  flock  of  Jesus  Christ,  how  delight- 
ful !  By  your  intended  profession  you  will  not  be  de- 
prived of  this  privilege.  May  you  prove  to  be  a  beloved 
physician.  But  can  you  say.  '  Lord,  thou  knowest  that 
I  love  thee?' 


JAMES   BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  169 

''     "  To  W .    '  Where  art  thou  V  Rejoicing  in 

hope,  and  giving  glory  to  God  ?  Let  us  not  be  willing 
to  spend  one  day  without  becoming  more  like  Christ; 
for  it  is  conformity  to  him  that  will  make  us  holy,  and 
that  alone. 

"  A  word  to  Miss .   What  of  that  doubting  and 

fearing  ?  Are  all  lost  in  the  sweet  testimony  that  you 
please  God?  Cast  all  your  burdens  upon  the  Lord  ; 
and  may  you,  like  Mary,  sit  at  the  feet  of  Jesus — hang 
around  his  cross — make  him  your  all — all  your  salva- 
tion and  all  your  desire. 

"  To  Miss .    Our  Savior  said,  I  am  the  good 

shepherd.  Do  you  hear  his  voice,  and  follow  him 
daily  ?  As  a  lamb  of  the  flock,  may  the  good  shepherd 
carry  you  in  his  bosom.  Let  us  lean  upon  him — 
commit  our  all  into  his  hands,  and  thus  lie  at  hia 
disposal. 

"  To  Miss .    '  One  shall  be  taken  and  another 

left.'  Is  it  true,  that  father  and  mother,  brothers  and 
sisters,  have  been  taken  ?  and  you — you  left  ?  left  for 
what?  Ask  yourself  this  question  for  days  to  come — 
days  to  come !  who  can  tell  but,  ere  to-morrow's  sun, 
you  may  have  left  the  earth,  and  the  soul  gone — 
where  ? 

"  Finally,  a  word  to  all.  Exercise  yourselves  unto 
godliness,  in  constant  watchfulness  and  prayer,  and 
frequent  fasting.  Let  the  Bible  be  your  companion — 
give  yourselves  to  reading  and  meditation.  Use  it  as  a 
test  to  try  every  thought,  word,  and  action.  Let  us  do 
good  to  all.  In  a  word,  walk  humbly,  penitently,  and 
in  faith  ;  so  that  we  die  daily.  Advance  heavenward, 
and  be  blessed  continually,  and  be  happy  for  ever. 

15  J.  B.  Taylor. 


170  MEMOIR   OF 

With  increased  affection  for  you  all,  I  am,  in  the  best 
of  bonds,  yours, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

"  Dec.  7. — Another  week  has  gone,  and  gone  for 
ever.    While  passing,  the  inscriptions  goodness  and 
inercy  have  been  legible  on  every  day.  My  enjoyment 
has  not  been  so  great  as  during  the  two  weeks  pre- 
ceding. And  the  reason  is  obvious — I  wandered  from 
the   Lord  ;  and  bitterness  of  soul  took  the  place  of 
sweet  love :  but  the  Lord  heard  my  prayer,  and  again 
visited  me  with  his  grace.  His  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 
Last  night  also  witnessed  my  yielding  to  the  same 
temptation,  which  brought  leanness  and  sadness  unto 
my  soul.    With  what  depression  did  I  arise  this  Sab- 
bath morning  I    The  Sabbath's  Lord  was  absent — the 
"Spirit,  grieved,  had  left  me,  until  I  went  into  the  cha- 
-lel ;  I  prayed,  and  read,  and  sung,  but  my  heart  was 
^one.   Still  I  had  faith  and  a  fixed  purpose  to  wait  on 
;he  Lord.   I  was  solemn.   I  felt  that  the  glory  had  de- 
parted.  While  the  chapter  was  reading,  my  heart  be- 
gan to  melt  into  penitential  grief;  I  felt  myself  deserv- 
ing the  lowest  hell.    I  also  felt  that  if  I  were  sent  to 
hell,  I  could  but  praise  God  for  what  he  had  done  for 
me.    At  this  juncture  peace  and  consolation   flowed 
into  my  soul,  and  I  could  praise  the  Lord.  Blessed  be 
his  name  for  ever." 

On  the  same  date  he  thus  writes  to  his  friend  Miss 
W : 

"  He  who  hath  said,  '  If  I  go  away,  I  will  come 
again  unto  you,'  visits  my  soul  with  his  love,  and 
makes  me  happy  here  ;  and  does  he  not  add,  '  to  re- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  171 

ceive  you  unto  myself?'  I  have  had  a  heaven  upon 
earth,  even  in  this  college  ;  and  you  do  not  think  it 
strange,  for  you  know  that  where  the  Prince  of  peace 
reigns  there  is  peace. 

"  But  what  think  you  of  those  professors  of  religion 
who,  when  you  tell  them  of  all  this,  and  assure  them, 
upon  the  authority  of  GocVs  word,  that  they  may  have 
the  desire  of  their  hearts,  reply,  that  they  wisL  they 
could  enjoy  more  of  God's  presence,  but  they  are  sub- 
ject to  so  many  temptations,  and  have  to  encounter  so 
many  difficulties,  they  hardly  know  what  they  are  ? 
Is  not  their  state  dangerous  ?  And  does  not  all  their 
hungering  and  thirsting  after  righteousness  end  in  a 
mere  wish  7  What  saith  the  Psalmist  ?  '  Delight  thy- 
self in  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  give  thee  the  desires  of 
thy  heart,'  Who  that  delights  in  a  conformity  to  an 
ungodly  world,  its  fashions,  its  vain  show — who  of  all 
that  follow  the  devices  and  desires  of  an  unrenewed 
heart,  can  look  for  such  favors  from  the  Lord?  They, 
and  they  alone,  who  make  God  their  only  portion,  and 
delight  themselves  in  the  Lord  as  their  chief  joy,  can 
live  in  peace — can  hope  to  die  in  triumph,  and  reign 
with  the  Lamb  for  ever. 

"  Let  us  give  to  those  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins, 
all  their  sinful  enjoyments  ;  let  formal  professors  plead 
their  excuses  ;  but  let  them  know  at  the  same  time, 
that  they  will  have  to  settle  them  at  the  bar  of  their 
just  Judge.  Let  others  glory  in  what  they  will ;  but  be 
It  ours  to  glory  only  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  to  whom  be  praise  for  ever." 

Diary,  Dec.  23. — "  Fasted  this  day,  and  had  a  thank- 
ful remembrance  of  that  season  of  divine  communi- 


172  MEMOIR   OF 

cation  so  often  referred  to,  which  I  enjoyed  twenty 
months  ago.  I  believe  the  work  of  grace  has  been 
deepened  since  that  joyful  hour  ;  the  experience  of  to- 
day assures  me  that  I  have  sunk  low  in  my  own  es- 
teem, and  that  it  is  by  grace  that  I  am  in  the  way  to 
glory.  At  evening  devotion  could  not  find  words  to 
express  the  fullness  of  my  heart ;  but  I  could  say, 
'  Lord,  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee.'  What  precious 
hours  I  have  spent  thus  far  since  I  have  been  in  col- 
lege !  The  good  Shepherd  has  fed  me  in  his  rich- 
est pastures,  and  here,  my  Lord,  I  give  my  little  all 
to  thee :  still  enlarge  the  vessel,  and  bless  me  abund- 
antly." 

Of  this  date  we  have  another  precious  letter  from 
Mr.  Taylor  to  his  aged  clerical  friend  H — ,  of  S — . 

"  J^assau-Hall,  Dec.  23, 1823,  Saturday  evening. 
"Reverend  and  beloved  Sir, 

"Another  week  is  gone,  and  I  rejoice,  inasmuch  as 
I  have  one  week  less  to  remain  this  side  of  heaven. 
Yes  !  I  give  praise  to  our  God  that  I  was  born  to  die — 
to  die  ?  to  live  for  ever.  The  thought  is  sweet.  '  O  the 
pain ' — stay,  for  where  is  the  pain  to  the  dying  saint  1 
The  sting  of  death  is  sin,  and  the  strength  of  sin  is 
the  law.  But  for  the  believer  Christ  hath  magnified 
the  law  and  made  it  honorable ;  and  thus  hath  pur- 
chased pardon,  reconciliation,  and  sanctification,  which 
being  poaeessed,  sets  the  soul  at  liberty  and  makes  it 
free  indeed.  To  me  it  seems  that  for  a  child  of  God  to 
die  is  but  going  from  one  room  to  another.  His  body,  it 
is  true,  may  be  exercised  with  exquisite  pain,  but  the 
spirit  will  rest,  and  calmly  commit  all  into  the  hands 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  173 

of  God,  and  there  lie  at  his  disposal.  And  when  the  im- 
portant crisis  arrives,  how  sweetly  does  the  soul  lean 
upon  the  breast  of  its  beloved  and  repose  in  his  kind 
arms,  while  it  breathes  itself  away  from  the  clay  te- 
nement to  become  a  fixed  resident  in  glory.  '  O  the 
bliss  of  dying.'  '  This  moment  for  heaven  I'd  leave  all 
below.' 

"  The  reason  why  so  many  who  live  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  lively  hope,  fearfully  apprehend  the  approach 
of  death,  I  think  is  to  be  found  in  the  notions  they 
have  formed  of  his  appearance.  But  what  is  death  ? 
Is  it  to  be  supposed  that  he  is  a  frightful  form,  hideous, 
and  terrible  7  Is  it  not  rather  the  gracious  appearance 
of  Emmanuel — God  with  us  ?  What  does  he  say  ? 
'  If  I  go  away,  I  will  come  again  unto  you  and  receive 
you  unto  myself;  that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be 
also.'  When  we  die,  we  do  not  expect  to  see  death 
set  forth  as  in  hieroglyphical  form — no — but  as  Ste- 
phen beheld,  to  the  joy  of  his  soul.  We  expect  to  see 
Jesus,  who  no  doubt  presents  his  kind  hand,  and  first 
welcomes  his  ransomed  ones  to  his  own  kingdom. 
What  then  should  we  do — what  could  we  do  without 
Jesus  ?  Take  him  from  our  pilgrimage  below,  and  our 
manna  would  fail ;  take  him  from  the  Jordan  of  death, 
its  waves  would  overwhelm  us,  and  our  frightened 
souls  would  sink  in  endless  despair;  take  him  from 
heaven,  and  heaven  would  be  annihilated  for  ever. 
Truly,  he  is  all,  and  in  all — '  the  desire  of  all  nations.' 

"  This  evening  my  mind  has  been  led  to  look  to  Je- 
sus, as  the  apostle  says,  '  Looking  unto  Jesus.'  I  was 
thus  led,  more  particularly,  because  to-morrow  is  to  be 
our  communion  season. 

"  '  Looking  unto  Jesus?  Before  the  world  was,  he 
15* 


174  MEMOIR    OF 

dwelt  with  the  Father.  And,  O  what  glory  and  delight 
he  must  have  had  from  all  eternity  !  We  may  look 
mito  him  as  God,  by  whom  the  worlds  were  made. 
But  had  he  need  of  worlds  ?  What  do  they  add  to  his 
infinite,  underived,  eternal  glory  ?  For  whom,  but  for 
man,  was  this  fair  fabric  formed,  and  lighted  up,  and 
adorned  so  richly  ?  Upon  God's  equal  we  may  gaze 
with  wonder,  and  adore  his  condescension.  O  what 
pity  touched  his  sympathizing  soul !  What  the  might 
of  that  love  which  brought  him  down  !  Well  might 
the  plains  of  Bethlehem  resound  with  glory  to  God  ia 
the  highest ;  peace  on  earth,  and  good  will  to  men. 
And  well  may  we  join  the  heavenly  host  in  praising 
God  ;  for  unto  us  a  Savior  was  born,  who  is  Christ 
the  Lord. 

*  O  for  this  love,  let  rocks  and  hills 
Their  lasting  silence  break.' 

"  Let  us  look  to  Jesus  during  his  state  of  humiliation, 
for  from  the  manger  to  the  cross  he  was  preparing  the 
way  to  bring  many  sons  unto  glory.  O  the  contradic- 
tions he  met  from  sinners  !  What  temptations  in  the 
wilderness  !  What  agony  in  the  garden !  But  the  won- 
ders of  the  cross  !  It  is  here  our  hopes  centre.  For  the 
hope  which  the  cross  inspired,  the  primitive  Chris- 
tians were  ready  to  suffer ;  nay,  did  suffer  and  die. 
However  opposed,  they  preached  its  doctrines,  and 
said,  God  forbid  that  we  should  glory,  save  in  the 
cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

"Extending  our  \iew  beyond  the  cross,  we  may 
profitably  look  upon  him  whom  we  have  pierced,  as 
arising  from  the  dead.  '  He  rose  again  for  our  justifi- 
cation.'   What  joy  his  disciples  felt  when  their  eyes 


JAMES   BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  175 

once  more  beheld  their  Lord,  whom  the  Jews  had  cru- 
cified and  slain  !  But  he  was  soon  to  leave  them,  and 
triumphantly  ascend  up  where  he  was  before. 

"  Thither  our  forerunner  hath  entered — our  captain 
has  led  the  way  ;  and  now  we  may  look  unto  him  at 
the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high.  By  faith,  too, 
we  may  look  at  the  mansions  he  hath  prepared.  But 
what  is  faith's  vision  ?  It  is  indeed  a  blessed  reality ; 
*  it  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  and  the  evi- 
dence of  things  not  seen.'  But  we  want  more^  and 
more  we  shall  have.  Not  through  a  glass  darkly  shall 
we  see  him,  but  face  to  face — see  him  as  he  is.  Fear 
not,  little  flock,  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to 
give  you  the  kingdom. 

"  Do  we  want  stronger  faith  ?  To  Jesus  must  we 
look,  who  is  the  author  and  finisher  of  faith  ;  and  pray, 
as  by  example  we  are  taught,  '  Lord  increase  our  faith.' 
Would  we  be  what  God  would  have  us  to  be,  what 
do  we  need  but  to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  his 
dear  Son  ?  And  how  shall  this  be  efiected  but  by  look- 
ing continually  unto  Jesus  ?  Are  we  ignorant  ?  He  is 
our  Prophet.  Are  we  sinners  ?  He  is  present  to  plead 
our  cause — a  priest  whom  the  Father  heareth  always, 
and  whose  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  Would  we 
have  all  things  brought  into  complete  subjection  to  his 
law  1  As  King,  he  is  on  the  holy  hill  of  Zion.  Where 
is  such  an  example  of  patience  under  sufiering  ?  and 
he  knows  how  to  succor  them  that  are  tempted.  In 
doing  the  will  of  his  heavenly  Father,  how  assiduously 
and  perseveringly  did  he  accomplish  his  work  !  What 
ire  find  to  do,  may  we  do  it  with  our  might.  The  more 
steadily  we  look  to  Jesus,  the  faster  we  shall  run,  the 


176  MEMOIR  or 

higher  will  be  our  attainments,  the  happier  we  shall 
be,  and  the  more  we  shall  honor  God. 

"But  when  will  our  race  be  ended?  My  reverend 
father,  do  not  you  feel  that  your  course  is  almost 
finished  ?  Looking  forward,  you  behold  the  crown 
of  righteousness.  Besides  your  own  household,  you 
hope  to  meet  many  a  departed  saint  who  once  sat  un- 
der your  ministry,  and  was  brought  to  God  through 
your  instrumentality.  If  any  thing  could  cause  us  to 
sing  '  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David,'  next  to  our  own 
salvation,  it  must  be  that  God  hath  honored  us,  in 
bringing  souls  to  Christ.  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest, 
may  be  the  united  acclamation  of  pastor  and  people. 
Pray  that  I  may  never  be  satisfied  with  bread  alone — 
that  is,  to  labor  for  a  living,  but  that  I  may  have  souls 
for  my  hire. 

"  Dear  Mrs.  H ,  may  I  not  say  to  you  as  Eliza- 
beth said  to  Mary,  '  Blessed  art  thou  among  women.' 
Surely  the  Lord  hath  heard  your  supplications,  and 
your  oflfspring  have  been  born  again  ;  if  so,  what  more 
could  the  Lord  have  done  to  his  little  vineyard  than 
he  hath  done  ?  May  your  nursery  of  piety  still  receive 
the  early  and  latter  rain — be  continually  visited  by  the 
heavenly  Gardener — and,  when  transplanted,  I  doubt 
not  he  will  range  you  all  among  his  trees  of  righteous- 
ness, to  flourish  for  ever  in  his  courts. 

"  By  this  time  you  are  perhaps  ready  to  ask,  '  How 
do  you  like  college  life  ?  Can  you  enjoy  religion  there  V 
Not  unto  me,  but  to  God  be  the  praise  ;  these  walls 
cannot  shut  out  the  Lord  ;  and  where  he  is,  there  is 
heaven.  I  do  not  find  the  obstacles  I  anticipated. 
The  Lord  has  proved  better  than  all  my  fears,  and  has 
given  me  '  daily  bread.'    I  have  fed  on  angels'  food — 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  177 

my  room  has  been  made  a  Bethel,  and  I  find  it  is 
growing  better  and  better,  instead  of  diminishing. 
My  cup  overflows — I  am  on  my  journey  to  heaven, 
with  the  desire  to  love  God  more,  and  serve  him  bet- 
ter. O  let  us  keep  near  the  cross,  and  be  diligent  to 
make  our  calling  and  election  sure." 

The  following  extracts  from  Mr.  Taylor's  diary, 
show  that  he  ended  as  he  began  the  year,  with  God — 
in  a  high  state  of  spirituality,  and  with  an  unremitting 
attention  to  the  duties  of  religion. 

"  December  25. — Last  evening  I  walked  to  Law- 
renceville,  and  once  more  hailed  my  dear  brothers  F. 
and  S.  and  friends,  who  received  me  cordially. 

"  This  morning  I  arose  with  much  pain  in  my  breast, 
but  the  light  affliction  was  sanctified.  After  breakfast 
I  took  my  old  walk,  and  remembered  the  days  of  for- 
mer times — I  stopped  and  overlooked  the  surrounding 
scenery — but  I  was  on  my  way  to  that  oft-frequented 
tree.  David  said,  '  I  will  remember  thee  from  the  hill 
Mizar.^  What  occasion  have  I  to  remember  the  Lord 
from  that  tree  !  Although  the  morning  was  cold,  the 
Lord  warmed  my  heart  as  I  knelt  and  prayed  on  that 
spot,  from  which  many  a  prayer  had  ascended  to  the 
throne  of  grace. 

"  It  was  truly  a  melting  time — O  what  tenderness ! 
what  resignation  I  And  I  returned,  after  my  heart 
had  enjoyed  the  season,  blessing  and  praising  God. 

"  During  the  day  my  mind  was  solemn  ;  and  on  my 
way  home,  as  I  mused,  the  fire  burned.  In  the  high- 
way Jesus  was  exceedingly  precious.  It  is  God — the 
triune,  the  holy  God,  that  captivates  my  heart— -and 


178  MEMOIR    OF 

to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  his  dear  Son  is  my 
supreme  desire.    Lord,  make  me  more  holy  ! 

"  This  has  been  a  good  Christmas-day  to  me.  The 
birth  of  the  Savior  has  occurred  to  my  mind,  in  all  its 
circumstances,  with  pleasing  reflections.  But  now  he 
reigns  on  high,  the  Judge  of  all.  What  a  mysterious, 
yet  consistent  whole  !  And  all  to  make  his  people 
blessed  for  ever. 

"  28th,  Sabbath.— This  is  the  last  Lord's  day  of  the 
year,  and  it  may  be  numbered  among  the  best ;  for 
surely  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  which  is  righteous- 
ness, peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  has  been  set 
up  powerfully  in  my  soul.  Much  of  heaven  has  come 
down  to  earth.  The  powers  of  darkness  have  given 
way,  while  the  King  has  been  seated  on  his  throne 
within  me.  I  thmk  I  never  had  such  a  loving  child- 
like spirit  in  pouring  out  my  heart  before  God,  my 
Father,  as  I  had  this  evening.  It  was  surely  his 
adopting  love,  into  whichl sunk.  How  it  overpowered 
me  !  my  body  shook  with  the  delightful  emotion.  At 
noon,  also,  after  walking,  with  a  heart  pouring  out 
praise  to  my  God — my  God  in  covenant — I  sat  down 
and  meditated  upon  his  works — all  of  which  uttered 
their  voice  in  praise  of  their  Creator:  my  heart  was 
broken,  and  caused  my  tears  to  flow.  The  remem- 
brance of  my  youthful  follies  impressively  recurred, 
as  I  beheld  groups  of  lads  who  had  been  wandering 
over  the  fields.  The  distinguishing  grace  of  God,  too, 
was  manifest,  for  as  I  sat,  I  saw  two  of  my  fellow- 
students  violating  this  sacred  day  by  secular  employ- 
ment— preparing  recitations  probably  for  to-morrow. 
'  Hallow  my  Sabbaths,'  is  Heaven's  high  command. 
-On  Sabbath  night  I  retired  much 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  179 

exercised  with  pain  of  body,  but  with  a  solid  peace  of 
mind.  I  did  not  rest  well  through  the  night,  and  arose 
in  the  morning  much  indisposed.  I  attended  recitation 
in  ihe  forenoon ;  but  at  noon  betook  myself  to  bed, 
after  the  Lord  had  poured  a  blessing  into  my  happy 
soul.  The  light  affliction  was  sanctified,  so  that  I 
could  not  pray,  nor  did  1  wish  others  to  pray,  for  my 
recovery  ;  and  the  symptoms  were  alarming.  My  will 
was  entirely  resolved  in  this :  '  Thy  will  be  done ;' — 
while  I  felt  that  '  to  be  with  Christ  is  best,'  and  the 
thought  of  dying  was  sweet. 

"  Looking  at  my  record,  made  one  year  ago  this 
evemng,  I  find  my  testimony  to  the  Lord's  goodness 
the  year  just  then  ending,  and  an  invocation  for  the 
continuance  not  only,  but  for  an  increase  of  his  favor 
and  love,  during  the  succeeding  year.  My  prayer  has 
been  heard.  Great  and  glorious  things  have  been  done 
for  my  soul,  in  secret  with  my  God ;  and  of  all  men  I 
am  under  the  strongest  bonds  of  gratitude,  of  love,  and 
of  praise  to  him  in  return. 

"  Why  may  I  not  expect  greater  things  the  coming 
year?  '  The  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining  light, 
that  shineth  more  and  more  to  the  perfect  day.' 

"  Lord  God  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac,  and  of  Jacob, 
whose  I  am,  thine  would  I  be.  To  thee,  through  the 
beloved,  I  renewedly  and  solemnly  engage  my  love 
and  obedience.  O  keep  me — save  me  from  all  evil — 
and  bless  me  abundantly,  more  than  I  can  ask  or 
think— all  things  are  possible  with  thee." 

Mr.  Taylor's  annual  letter  to  his  father  and  family, 
at  Middle  Haddam,  which  he  called  his  new-year^s 
^iftj  was  written  this  year  a  little  in  advance  of  the 


180  MEMOIR   OP 

usual  time,  and  bears  date  the  14lh  December.  From 
this  communication,  full  of  affection,  filial  and  frater- 
nal, we  present  our  readers  with  some  extracts,  strong- 
ly expressive  of  gratitude  and  piety  towards  the  Giver 
of  every  good  and  perfect  gift. 

"  Reviewing  the  past  year,  many  things  which 
awaken  pleasing  reflections  rise  to  my  recollection. 
No  period  of  my  life  has  been  marked  with  clearer  in- 
dications of  the  Lord's  goodness  to  his  unworthy  ser- 
vant. When  surveying  my  room,  I  discover  one  arti- 
cle here,  and  another  there,  which  reminds  me  of  my 
dependence,  and  shows  the  liberality  of  dear  relations 
and  friends.  How  much  they  have  ministered  to  my 
wants,  I  cannot  say  :  only,  for  what  I  have,  I  am  in- 
debted to  Him  who  is  the  first  cause  of  the  openings, 
liberal  openings,  of  the  hands  of  those  interested  in 
my  prosperity.  But  more  of  these  will  be  manifested 
at  the  resurrection  of  the  just,  when  our  Lord  shall 
say,  '  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the 
least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me.' 
By  the  blessing  of  God,  I  have  all  things,  and  abound. 

"  As  to  religious  enjoyment,  no  year  has  witnessed 
such  displays  of  divine  love.  And  I  may  humbly  and 
joyfully  say,  I  have  grown  in  grace.  My  trials  have 
been  few,  and  have  all  worked  for  good ;  my  tempta- 
tions many,  but  in  heaven's  armor  I  have  overcome. 
While  my  prospect  for  heaven  gathers  brightness,  my 
determination  to  spend  and  be  spent  for  God  increases. 
I  daily  feel  my  nothingness  j  and  that  it  is  '  by  the 
grace  of  God  I  am  what  I  am,'  a  poor  sinner  saved  by 
grace.  I  am  one  year  nearer  the  end  of  my  preparatory 
course.  One  year  nearer  ?  Who  knows  that  the  Lord 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  181 

Will  count  me  faithful,  putting  me  into  the  ministry  7 
Concerning  this,  however,  I  am  but  little  anxious.  I 
know  that  my  object,  my  highest  wish,  while  on  earth, 
is  to  be  instrumental  in  bringing  souls  to  Christ.  If, 
then,  I  should  be  called  home  while  preparing  for  the 
field,  it  would  be  only  calling  me  from  the  toil  to  reap 
the  reward.  The  good  Shepherd  accepts  a  willing 
mind;  and  often,  instead  of  confining  one's  labors  to 
earth,  takes  the  soul  to  heaven,  to  render  a  perfect  ser- 
vice in  his  presence.  And  who  will  say  this  is  not  to 
be  preferred  ?  I  endeavor  to  take  no  thought  for  to- 
morrow :  to-day  my  inquiry  should  be,  What  is  my 
duty?  Thus  I  am  endeavoring  to  go  on,  in  a  regular 
round  of  duty.  My  studies  are  attended  to  with  the  hope 
that  they  may  be  sanctified  to  some  good  use.  My 
hours  sacred  to  devotion  are  welcome,  and  bring  with 
them  streams  from  the  fountain  of  living  waters,  and 
thus  keep  me  alive.  O  how  refreshing !  how  anima- 
ting !  The  presence  of  God  makes  us  as  trees  planted 
by  the  rivers  of  waters,  which  yield  good  fruit — fruit 
to  the  glory  of  God. 

"  To  look  forward  a  year  !  It  is  a  precious — an  in- 
valuable period  of  time.  Thus,  more  than  we  do,  the 
ransomed  of  the  Lord,  and  the  spirits  of  the  lost  view 
it.  O  that  we  may  be  wise,  to  make  the  most  of  the 
year  that  is  before  us !  What  new  plans,  then  for  do- 
ing good  can  we  devise?  or  how  can  we  improve 
those  already  adopted  ?  Why  should  we  not  strive, 
as  individuals,  to  make  our  influence  to  be  felt  all  over 
the  earth  ?  The  Lord  help  us  to  labor  faithfully.  And 
this  we  should  do,  not  merely  from  a  sense  ot  duty,  as 
obligatory  upon  all,  but  as  binding  upon  each,  and  that 
too  now,  as  we  know  not  but,  ere  the  close  of  1824,  we 

16  J.  B.  Taylor. 


1S2  MEMOIR    OP 

may  be  summoned  hence.  Has  not  heaven  something 
for  us  to  do ;  something  to  make  known  for  the  good 
of  mankind  through  us  ?  Let  us  pray  over  this  interro- 
gatory until  we  are  satisfied. 

"  What  is  before  us  as  a  family,  and  as  individuals, 
we  know  notj  but  to  Him  who  hath  brought  us 
hitherto,  all  is  plain.  Concerning  this  we  should  noi 
be  anxious  ;  for,  '  shall  not  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth 
do  right?' 

"  As  for  myself,  I  feel  that  the  seeds  of  mortality 
have  taken  deep  root  Avithin  me,  and  I  am  frequently 
reminded  of  my  latter  end.  But  does  this  alarm  me  ? 
No:  for  every  evidence  of  the  approach  of  the  mes- 
senger, death,  I  have  cause  to  rejoice,  rather  than  to 
be  terrified.  It  is  a  sweet  exercise  to  pass  the  valley, 
in  imagination,  and  look  beyond,  upon  the  pearly 
gates.  Faith  enters  within  the  city,  and  walks  the 
golden  streets. 

'  O  glorious  hour  I  O  blest  abode ! 
1  shall  be  near,  and  like  my  God!'  " 

As  Mr.  Taylor  closed  the  last  year,  so  did  he  com- 
mence the  new  one,  with  a  grateful  and  devout  ac- 
knowledgment of  the  goodness  and  grace  of  God. 

On  the  1st  of  January^  1824,  we  find  in  his  diar)'. 
this  short  but  expressive  notice  : 

"  The  Lord  has  indeed  given  me  a  happy  beginning 
of  a  new  year.  At  evening  devotion,  had  a  blessing 
so  rich  and  full  that  there  seemed  a  want  of  room  to 
receive  it.  Carry  on,  carry  on  thy  glorious  work,  O 
mf  God,  and  make  me  more  like  Jesus." 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  183 

It  is  delightful  to  observe  how  this  devoted  servant 
of  Christ  labored,  not  only  to  grow  in  grace  himself, 
but  to  stimulate  others  in  the  same  blessed  course.  In 
this,  perhaps  as  much  as  in  any  one  thing,  he  disco- 
vered his  own  likeness  to  Him  who  continually  went 
about  doing  good.  In  his  diary,  and  in  all  his  corre- 
spondence, as  well  as  in  the  recollections  of  his  ac- 
quaintance and  friends,  he  seemed  never  to  lose  sight 
of  the  spiritual  improvement  of  those  who  professed 
to  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  In  a  letter,  dated  Nas- 
sau Hall,  Jan.  13,  1824,  addressed  to  Miss  L ,  he 

wrote  as  follows  : 

"  It  seems  from  your  testimony  that  God  has  lately 
deepened  the  work  of  grace  in  your  soul.  How  blessed 
to  be  blessed  of  God  !  What  can  equal  that  peace 
which  Christ  imparts  in  some  favored  moment  to  his 
disciples?  What  joy  is  like  that  which  flows  from  an 
unction  of  the  Holy  One  ?  It  may  be  said  of  those 
who  are  justified  and  sanctified,  '  Ye  are  the  temples 
of  the  Holy  Ghost.'  And  to  them  earth  has  lost  its 
charms — those  scenes  of  former  gayety  are  mourned 
over,  as  time  worse  than  lost — forms  and  fashions  no 
more  seem  becoming.  With  what  holy  contempt  do 
such  look  upon  the  passing  vanities  of  the  world. 
Disgusted  with  these  things,  the  soul  seeks  its  happi- 
ness in  retirement,  and  finding  it  there  alone  with 
God,  leaves  the  worldling  to  his  pursuits  and  plea- 
sures. Give  me  my  Bible,  a  season  for  holy  medita- 
tion, and  an  opportunity  to  call  on  my  '  Father  who 
seeth  in  secret,'  and  I  envy  not  their  joys. 

"  Having  been  so  richly  blessed  of  Heaven,  I  trust 
you  will   go  on,  renewing  your  strength  from  day  to 


184  MEMOIR   OP 

day.  "We  need  '  daily  bread.'  And  close  and  intimate 
comraunion  with  God  the  Father,  and  with  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  is  the  food  best  adapted  to  the  soul  that 
has  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious.  May  you  find 
your  closet  more  and  more  a  Bethel.  It  is  there  that 
the  soul  must  be  trained.  There  the  sweetest  hours 
are  to  be  enjoyed.  Holy  ones,  in  every  age,  have  lived 
near  to  God  in  secret.  It  is  this  ihat  fits  one  to  live  a 
holy,  self-denying,  cross-bearing  life  before  the  world. 

"  Since  my  location  in  college,  the  Lord  has  been 
very  gracious  in  manifesting  his  love  to  my  soul.  He 
has  communed  with  me  from  off"  the  mercy-seat,  so 
that  I  have  found  that  these  walls  cannot  shut  out  the 
Comforter  from  my  heart.  Were  it  not  for  this  refresh- 
ing from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  what  should  I  do  ? 
Methinks  of  all  men  I  should  be  the  most  miserable  ; 
but  with  this  my  soul  is  happy,  and  often  exults  in 
God. 

"  Were  I  to  suggest  some  rules  for  holy  living,  they 
should  be  the  following : 

"  Let  there  be  constant  watchfulness,  frequent  fast- 
ings, and  continual  prayer. 

"  Let  the  Bible  be  a  constant  companion  for  read- 
ing and  meditation  ',  and  as  a  test  to  try  every  thought, 
word,  and  action. 

"Do  GOOD  TO  ALL.  In  a  word,  walk  humbly,  peni- 
tently, and  believingly;  soshalt  thou  'die  daily,'  ad- 
vance heavenward  hourly,  be  blessed  always,  and 
happy  for  ever." 

Diary.  "  Jan.  16.  At  evening  devotion  the  windows 
of  heaven  were  opened,  and  showers  of  love  refreshed 
my  soul.     My  heart  leaped  for  joy.    What  glorious 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  185 

things  doth  my  God  bestow  upon  a  worm  !    Grace  ! 
free  grace  !" 

Of  the  same  date  we  find  an  interesting  and  instruc- 
tive letter  to  one  of  his  brothers,  strongly  evincing  his 
fraternal  affection  and  fidelity,  and  exhibiting  a  lovely 
picture  of  that  respect  which  the  younger  should  ever 
feel  for  the  elder. 

"My  brother,  I  love  you  'in  the  bowels  of  Jesus 
Christ.'  In  him  you  are  the  elder,  and  I  rejoice  that  I 
may  converse  with  you  as  a  partaker  of  the  same 
grace.  '  You  know  the  love  of  God.'  But  according 
to  your  testimony,  it  is  not  with  you  as  in  days  that 
are  past.  Since  you  addressed  m.e,  it  may  be  you  have 
come  up  out  of  the  wilderness,  and  are  now  leaning 
upon  the  Beloved.  If  so,  I  will  rejoice  with  you.  If 
not,  I  will  sympathize,  and  my  prayer  shall  be,  that 
not  many  days  hence  you  may  be  baptized  with  the 
Holy  Ghost.  Of  myself  I  will  not  glory.  I  feel  far 
from  this  ;  but  in  Christ,  through  whom  my  peace  is 
as  a  river,  and  my  righteousness  as  the  waves  of  the 
sea,  I  will  glory.  O  the  love  of  God,  into  which  I  have 
sunk,  as  into  an  ocean  !  Peace,  love,  joy,  and  exulta- 
tion, like  waves  of  the  sea,  have  rolled  over  me.  I  am 
still  looking  to  sink  deeper,  and  am  waiting  to  hear 
you  tell  me  that  you  are  happy  in  the  visits  of  the  love 
of  God. 

"  I  know  indeed  that  you  have  a  thousand  things  to 
oppose  your  advance  in  the  way  of  holiness,  that  are 
not  common  with  those  in  my  situation.  But  still, 
*Foes  we  have,  and  we  must  fight.'  We  both  need 
gr^at  grace  to  withstand  our  enemies.  But,  consider- 
16* 


186  MEMOIR   OF 

ing  our  employments,  I  conclude  without  hesitation, 
that  your  temptations  and  crosses  are  more  numerous 
than  mine.  From  the  multiplicity  of  your  cares  in  bu- 
siness, your  mind  may  often  be  disturbed.  '  None  of 
these  things  move  me.'  The  day  rolls  round,  and  I  am 
charged  with  but  three  things  of  importance — my  sou', 
my  body,  and  my  studies  ;  and  I  have  a  time  and  place 
for  each.  If  time  and  opportunity  offer,  a  fourth  is,  to 
do  good  to  my  friends  near  and  remote. 

"  As  near  as  I  can  judge,  the  world  has  lost  all  its 
charms  for  me.  I  go  not  mto  it  for  its  pleasures.  I  seek 
not  my  happiness  among  the  wicked.  No  ;  God  is  the 
source  of  my  happiness  ;  Jesus  the  channel,  and  the 
Holy  Spirit  is  the  agent.  Shut  out  from  the  world — 
shut  up  in  God — surrounded  with  darkness — filled  with 
light,  I  live  alone,  and  yet  am  visited  from  heaven. 
And  if  I  do  not  grow  in  grace,  I  shall  be  visited  with 
stripes:  Pray  for  me,  that  the  good  hand  of  God  may 
still  be  upon  me.  I  feel  that  God  is  training  me  for 
something  either  in  his  vineyard  here,  or  in  glory 
above.  I  long  for  the  best  gifts,  and  to  be  found  to  be 
a  workman  thoroughly  furnished. 

"I  suppose  you  do  not  gain  that  frequent  and  near 
access  to  God  which  you  once  enjoyed.  Do  you  now 
give  as  much  time  to  closet  devotion  as  you  then  did? 
And  when  you  retire,  do  you  find  your  mind  fixed  on 
God,  and  your  thoughts  abstracted  from  worldly  things, 
as  formerly  1  Let  not  my  brother  think  this  the  lan- 
guage of  reproach.  It  is  love.  And  be  assured,  I  verily 
believe  you  would  sacrifice  all,  rather  than  knowingly 
wound  the  cause  of  love.  If  I  mistake  not,  you  wish 
to  live  in,  what  I  long  to  have  you  enjoy,  the  fullness 
of  God,  Then  let  no  cross  be  considered  too  heavy  to 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  187 

be  borne  in  following  Christ ;  no  loss  too  great  to  be 
sustained  for  Christ  j  and  no  path  too  holy  in  going 
after  Christ. 

"  That  you  may  possess  all — nay,  more  than  you 
wish  now,  or  even  think,  there  is  not  the  least  doubt 
in  my  mind  ;  and  not  only  possess  it  for  a  day,  but  for 
years — nay,  for  ever,  with  the  increase.  And  but  for 
this,  what  is  the  religion  of  our  Lord  ?  He  led  cap- 
tivity captive,  that  we  might  go  free.  He  invites  us 
into  a  close  union  with  himself.  He  waits  for  a  renew- 
ed and  full  surrender,  to  crown  us  with  joy — to  feed 
us  with  plenty — to  bless  us  abundantly,  and  to  make 
us  kings  and  priests  for  ever." 

Diary. — "  Jan.  18.  How  repeated  the  goodness  of 
God  !  '  Ye  are  of  more  value  than  many  sparrows.' 
*  Your  heavenly  Father  knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of 
these  things.'  Yesterday  I  received  an  amount  suffi- 
cient to  pay  my  session  bill,  besides  a  token  from  my 
dear  friend  L.  P.  '  Lacked  ye  any  thing  ?  And  they 
said.  Nothing.'  My  wants  have  been  supplied,  and  I 
continue  to  this  day  a  witness  of  the  faithfulness  of  a 
covenant-keeping-God. 

"Jan.  21.  How  shall  I  record  the  wonderful  works 
of  God  to  a  sinner  saved  by  grace  ?  Glory  to  God  in 
the  highest.  Language  cannot  describe  the  overflow- 
ing, melting  love  of  God  !  But  my  Lord  knoweth,  and 
my  heart  felt  it  at  evening  devotion.  Shut  out  from 
the  world,  I  held  sweet  converse  with  heaven.  But 
for  these  visitations  of  my  God,  what  should  I  do  ? 

''  Jan.  23.  May  the  twenty-third  of  each  revolving 
month  pass  with  grateful  recollection.  The  loving- 
kindness  of  the  Lord,  O  how  great !  Enjoyed  a  sweet 


188  MEMOIR    OF 

season  during  my  noon-day  walk.  While  I  have  fast- 
ed, I  have  been  fed  with  heavenly  manna. 

"  O  !  am  I  not  blessed  of  God  ?  I  sometimes  think 
myself  the  happiest  mortal  on  earth.  And  soon,  glory 
to  God,  I  expect  to  join  the  church  above.  I  have  daily 
mementos  of  my  mortality  ;  and  my  soul  gets  on  high 
more  and  more.    May  I  live  in  heaven." 

The  correspondence  of  Mr.  Taylor  was  so  exten- 
sive, that  it  is  necessary,  in  order  to  bring  this  memoir 
within  a  reasonable  compass,  to  make  selections  ;  and 
yet  there  runs  so  rich  a  vein  of  piety  through  all  his 
papers,  that  the  inducement  is  very  strong  just  to  ar- 
range and  print  the  whole.  We  find  neither  letter,  nor 
note,  nor  record,  in  his  diary,  that  has  not  something 
of  the  same  all-pervading  spirit  of  devotion,  love, 
zeal  for  God's  glory,  and  desire  for  the  salvation  of 
sinners. 

On  the  29th  of  January  he  wrote  to  a  Christian 
friend,  whom  he  seems  greatly  to  have  valued,  a  long 
letter  full  of  affection,  from  which  we  give  the  follow- 
ing extract,  as  affording  evidence  of  his  deep  humility, 
the  legitimate  fruit  of  those  blessed  communications 
of  grace  which  he  enjoyed. 

"  M7  dear  Friend, 

"  So  far  as  I  can  judge  of  the  highest  enjoyment 
which  heaven's  rich  munificence  bestows  upon  my 
soul,  it  is  when  faith  gets  a  view  of  God  the  Father, 
as  reconciled,  and  smiling  propitiously ;  a  view  of  the 
Son  of  God,  that  charms  and  captivates  my  heart,  as 
the  beloved  ;  and  a  view  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  as  '  the 
promise  of  the  Father.'  It  is  at  such  a  season  that  the 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  189 

windows  of  heaven  are  opened,  and  streams  of  love 
poured  down,  which  find  a  welcome  reception  with  a 
humble  heart  that  feels  itself  the  unworthiest  of  the 
unworthy.  At  no  moment  does  the  whole  character  of 
God  appear  more  clear.  In  all  his  attributes  he  beams 
forth  ;  and  faith,  and  hope,  and  love,  and  joy,  mingle 
together,  and  flow  out  under  his  benign  influence. 
And  in  testimony  that  the  soul  does  not  arrogate  to  it- 
self the  honor  due  to  God,  it  renders  up  its  all,  its  lit- 
tle all,  in  return  for  favors  so  divine.  What  exercise 
then  takes  up  the  soul  ?  It  is  one  that  verges  still  near- 
er heaven — prayer  is  turned  into  praise.  How  do  the 
goodness,  the  love,  and  the  mercy  of  God  enlarge  at 
every  view !  And  his  holiness  and  his  justice,  too, 
gather  loveliness.  The  soul  feels  forgiven  and  washed, 
but  cannot  forgive  itself.  With  the  conviction  of  its 
ill  desert,  viz.  the  lowest  hell,  the  soul  wonders  at  its 
escape  from  the  burning  lake. 

"  The  tone  of  piety  is  not  so  high  among  profess- 
ors of  religion  in  our  colleges  as  it  should  be.  Alas  ! 
why  so  much  worldly-mindedness  ?  Why  so  much 
formality  ?  To  tell  you  the  plain  truth,  there  is  not 
enough  of  spirituality  here  j  not  so  much  as  I  expect- 
ed to  find.  My  studies  crowd  upon  me,  so  that  I  have 
a  little  more  to  do  in  my  literary  pursuits  than /would 
choose :  but  it  will  doubtless  be  for  the  best. 

"  The  good  Shepherd  has  caused  me  to  feed  in  green 
pastures  since  I  wrote  last.  He  is  mindful  of  one  who 
stands  in  need  of  continual  and  increased  aid. 

"  Not  having  a  disposition  to  go  out,  I  seldom  leave 
my  Bethel,  save  when  duty  calls.  The  more  I  see  of 
the  world,  its  forms  and  its  fashions,  the  more  do  I  see 
tnat  all  is  vanity.    How  blind,  how  infatuated  is  sin- 


190  MEMOIR   OP 

ful  man  !  What  a  gaudy  show  is  this  world  !  What 
thanks  we  owe  to  heaven  for  such  a  discovery !  May 
our  constant  prayer  ascend  :  '  Lord,  turn  off  mine  eves 
from  beholding  vanity.' 

"  I  trust  you  are  all  making  rapid  progress  in  the  di 
vine  life.  Amidst  temptations  and  fiery  darts,  we  need 
the  whole  armor  of  God.  The  armor  of  men,  how 
ever  curiously  wrought,  still  leaves  the  warrior  vul- 
nerable ;  but  with  the  whole  armor  of  God  we  can 
ijtand — stand  against  the  adversary  and  all  his  wiles. 
Who  then  would  rest  short  of  the  '  whole  ?'  a  part  will 
not  answer.  The  Lord  put  the  whole  armor  upon  us, 
and  help  us  to  keep  it  bright  by  constant  use. 

"  Soon  these  conflicts  will  be  over.  Who  would  re- 
main beyond  the  time  appointed  of  the  Father  ?  And 
none  ought  to  desire  to  depart,  till  Jesus  comes  agree- 
ably to  his  promise :  '  I  will  come  again  and  receive 
you  unto  myself,  that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be 
also.'  What  will  it  be  to  be  with  Christ  above?  To 
be  with  him  on  earth  makes  our  heaven  below.  This 
also  we  know,  '  that  when  Christ,  who  is  our  life, 
shall  appear,  we  shall  be  like  him  ;  for  we  shall  see 
him  as  he  is.'  " 

A  letter  written  about  this  time  to  some  relations 
in  Tolland,  Connecticut,  shows  that  Mr.  Taylor  was 
skilled  in  administering  consolation  to  the  afflicted,  as 
well  as  in  exciting  the  saints  to  that  diligence  through 
which  the  assurance  of  hope  is  attained  : 

"  I  suppose  N.  is  still  under  the  chastening  rod  of 
our  heavenly  Father.  But  methinks  you  say,  Does  this 
visitation  deserve  the  name  of  '  rod  ?'  I  doubt  not ;  ac- 


JAMES    BRAIN ERD    TAYLOR.  191 

coroing  to  your  testimony,  you  have  found  a  rich  re- 
muneration for  all  your  privations.  And  we  may  set  it 
down  as  a  maxim  established  beyond  question,  that 
God  will  take  nothing  from  his  children  without  be- 
stowing something  better,  either  in  kind  or  in  amount. 
"  The  good  and  afflicted  Jeremiah  said,  '  It  is  good 
for  a  man  to  bear  the  yoke  in  his  youth.'  Lam.  3 :  27. 
And  we  are  not  to  suppose  that  it  is  not  good  also  for 
those  of  riper  years.  It  has  been  the  testimony  of  the 
saints,  in  every  age,  that  '  affliction  Avorks  for  good  to 
them  that  love  God.' 

"  But  how  is  it  good  to  bear  the  yoke,  or  to  experi- 
ence affliction  7  The  context  tells  us, '  he  sitteth  alone.' 
"The  afflicted  one  is  blessed  with  retirement,  free 
from  the  bustle  and  din  of  the  world ;  has  an  oppor- 
tunity for  reflection,  self-examination,  and  self-dedica- 
tion to  God,  which  the  season  calls  for,  and  calls  loudly. 
Not  that  this  cannot  and  ought  not  to  be  done  at  other 
times,  and  by  £(11 ;  but  when  the  hand  of  God  is  upon 
us,  we  feel  more  than  ever  the  importance  of  a  com- 
plete surrender.    Is  not  this  good? 

" '  He  putteth  his  mouth  in  the  dust.'  To  bear  the 
yoke  tends  to  produce  humility  and  submission.  It 
shows  one's  frailty  and  entire  dependence.  Were  we 
always  in  prosperity,  we  should  not  partake  of  all  the 
legacy  which  Christ  hath  left  to  his  disciples.  By  be- 
coming acquainted  with  our  weakness,  we  are  induced 
with  more  humble  reliance  to  depend  on  Him  who 
IS  the  strength  of  our  heart  and  our  portion  for  ever. 
And  would  we  not  share  in  all  the  ingredients  of  the 
<rup  which  our  heavenly  Father  hath  prescribed  for  us  1 
Certainly  ;  for  though  not  joyous  for  the  present,  but 
grievous,  yet  afterwards  it  yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruits 


192  MEMOIR  or 

of  righteousness.  And  let  one  have  peace  in  believing, 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  world  may  rage,  and 
the  pains  of  death  may  get  hold  on  him,  but  still  he  is 
m  peace,  and  can  triumph.  Here  is  a  secret  in  religion 
that  the  world  cannot  know,  for  it  seeth  not,  nor  cora- 
prehendeth  it.  But,  glory  to  God,  to  us  it  is  no  mys- 
tery. And  we  expect  to  triumph  in  a  dying  hour. 

" '  He  giveth  his  cheek  to  him  that  smiteth  him.' 
Afflictions  tend  to  produce  patience.  How  much  of 
this  grace  we  need  I 

"  '  He  is  filled  with  reproach.'  Sanctified  afflictions 
draw  forth  acknowledgments  of  the  justness  of  God; 
and  the  soul  thus  visited,  condemns  itself,  and  gives 
praise  to  God.  They  greatly  quicken  to  duty.  Earth 
fades  more  and  more.  The  grave  is  viewed  with  com- 
posure. Prayer  is  more  ardent.  Heaven  appears  nearer 
and  brighter,  and  the  soul  longs  to  fly  away  and  dwell 
above. 

"  If  such  be  the  fruits  of  bearing  the  yoke,  who 
would  not  bear  it?  But  we  must  not  solicit  it.  It  is 
the  prerogative  of  heaven  to  put  it  on,  to  sustain  us 
under  it,  and  to  remove  it  from  us. 

"  May  you  find  more  and  more,  that  good  fruit  is 
produced  by  the  pruning  of  the  branch.  The  Husband- 
man water  thee  by  his  Spirit !  and  may  he  communi- 
cate much  of  his  vivifying  influence,  that  you  may 
flourish  as  the  palm-tree,  and  as  the  willow  by  the 
water-courses. 

"I  have  not  much  to  say  of  myself;  but  I  can  yet 
testify  of  the  riches  of  the  grace  of  God.  I  am  yet  a 
miracle  of  grace — yet  a  pilgrim ;  and  glory  that  I  am 
counted  worthy  to  bear  the  cross.  Heaven's  rich  mu- 
nificence is  manifested  in  the  choicest  of  its  stores  be- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  193 

Stowed  upon  the  most  unworthy.  These  college  walls 
do  not  shut  out  my  God ;  my  room  hath  become,  from 
the  first,  a  glorious  Bethel — yes,  a  little  heaven.  It  is 
a  sacred  spot,  where  my  soul  hath  often  drunk  of  the 
river  of  the  water  of  life.  '  God  is  love.'  This  is  my 
theme  below  :  '  God  is  love.'  Help  me  to  praise  him 
for  what  he  has  done  for  my  soul.  He  hath  done  great 
things  and  marvelous,  whereof  I  am  glad,  and  would 
rejoice.  I  wish  -to  live  for  none  else  besides  my  God, 
and  feel  an  increased  determination  to  spend  and  be 
spent  for  him. 

"  Twenty-one  months  have  now  gone  by  since  He 
so  powerfully  blessed  me ; — rich  seasons,  and  richer 
still  have  I  enjoyed  since,  and  richer  still  am  I  expect- 
ing below.  But  heaven  !  heaven  !  There  is  a  heaven 
to  come — a  holy  heaven — an  eternal  rest — a  glorious 
habitation ;  and  new  glories  are  yet  to  be  revealed. 

"  Well,  we  are  on  our  journey  ;  but,  alas  !  some  of 
our  dear  relatives  are  yet  behind — still  without  a  new 
heart — yet  destitute  of  vital  piety,  however  excellent 
and  amiable  in  their  moral  deportment.  But  farewell, 
even  to  them  ;  an  eternal  heart-rending  farewell,  even 
to  those  we  love,  if  they  will  not  regard  the  voice  of 
God.  We  cannot  give  up  our  hope  for  their  joys,  nor 
join  hands  with  the  wicked.  May  they  be  saved — may 
they  be  saved,  and  with  us  gathered  into  the  fold  of 
Christ." 

On  the  31st  January,  Mr.  Taylor  wrote  the  follow- 
ing note  to  his  friend  Miss  W ,  of  New-York : 

"  Of  you  I  have  not  heard  a  word  for  more  than  a 
month,   and  peradventure  I  may   be  addressing  the 

17  J.  B.  Taylor. 


194  MEMOIR    OP 

dead.  In  every  paper  I  receive,  I  generally  look  first 
for  those  solemn  mementos  of  man's  mortality.  Ah, 
we  don't  see  the  half  of  the  ravages  that  death  is 
making  in  our  world.  Hundreds  upon  hundreds  crowd 
the  dark  valley  from  day  to  day — millions  upon  mil- 
lions, in  quick  succession,  have  gone  into  the  eternal 
world.  But  my  friend  may  yet  be  on  this  side  Jordan, 
yet  suffering  and  doing  the  will  of  her  heavenly  Fa- 
ther. Well — he  knows  what  is  be^t.  It  is  he  that 
commences,  continues,  and  ends  the  mortal  existence 
of  his  creatures  :  and  would  we  be  at  the  disposal  of 
any  other?  No.  In  his  will  would  we  acquiesce, 
concerning  life,  health,  and  all  our  enjoyments.  To 
rest  here  is  to  rest  safely  ;  and  if  we  acknowledge  the 
Lord  in  all  our  ways,  he  will  direct  our  steps.  Your 
cup  for  years  has  been  one  of  suffering,  but  mingled 
with  many  a  precious  sweet.  You  can  tell  the  world 
that  you  suffer,  and  they  will  believe  you  j  again,  you 
may  tell  them  that  the  love  of  God  helps  you  to  for- 
get, or  to  triumph  over  your  pains,  and  they  will  only 
stare.  But,  however  they  may  wonder,  still  it  is  true, 
so  true  that  you  may  bless  the  Lord  for  the  pains  you 
endure. 

"  May  you  find  more  and  more  that  the  good  Shep- 
herd feeds  you  as  one  of  his  sheep.  May  he  keep  you 
in  joyful  anticipation  of  entering  the  fold  above. 
'  Where  I  am,  there  shall  ye  be  also.'  '  Fear  not,  little 
flock ;  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to  give  you 
the  kingdom.'  We  know  in  whom  we  have  believed, 
and  that  he  hath  set  up  in  our  hearts  that  kingdom 
which  is  righteousness,  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy 
Ghost.     O  may  it  be  set  up  with  more  power. 

"  The  good  hand  of  our  God  is  upon  me.    My  room 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  195 

IS  Still  made  a  Bethel.  It  is  religion  that  shines  more 
and  more  to  the  perfect  day." 

Of  the  same  date  is  a  letter  to  his  parents,  in  which 
he  shows  (and  this  seems  to  have  been  the  constant 
state  of  his  heart)  how  dead  he  was  to  the  world,  and 
how  he  lived  on  the  very  confines  of  heaven. 

"  I  am  still  a  pilgrim,  and  the  good  hand  of  God  is 
upon  me.  '  His  loving-kindness,  O  how  strong !'  I 
glory  that  I  am  a  pz'/g-rim." 

How  truly  he  acknowledged  God  in  all  his  ways, 
deserves  to  be  noticed  and  imitated.  Nothing  seems 
to  have  occurred,  in  which  he  did  not  distinctly  recog- 
nize the  hand  of  his  heavenly  Father.  In  his  diary 
he  records, 

"  Among  other  mercies,  I  unexpectedly  hailed  my 

dear  brother  J ,  who  called  upon  me  this  evening 

on  his  way  to  New-York,  from  the  south.  My  session 
bills  are  all  settled.  The  Lord  has  made  provision 
for  me  without  one  exertion  of  my  own.  Is  not  this 
providential?  O  he  taketh  care  of  the'sparrows ;  and 
he  has  satisfied  me  with  every  good  thing." 

"  Feb.  8. — Returned  this  morning  from  visiting 
Lawrenceville,  and  it  was  grateful  once  more,  after 
an  absence  of  only  thirty  hours,  to  return  to. my  room 
again.  Change  of  place  is  not  favorable  to  growth  in 
grace.  Visiting  and  journeying,  to  me,  unless  imme- 
diately engaged  in  the  service  of  God,  are  not  so  ad- 
vantageous as  sweet  retirement.  But  I  have  been 
taught  lessons  whereby  I  hope  to  profit  while  the 


196  MEMOIR  OF 

world  and  its  joys  become  tasteless  to  my  soul ;  I  huii' 
ger  for  the  heavenly  manna. 

"  My  friend  L.  P.  conveyed  me  from  Lawrenceville 
to  Princeton  in  his  gig.  Precious  soul,  I  fear  for  him. 
However  moral,  amiable,  and  upright  in  his  outward 
deportment,  his  heart,  I  fear,  is  yet  unreconciled  to 
God.  Nay,  I  have  no  doubt  of  it ;  for  if  he  loved  God, 
would  he  not  love  to  talk  of  the  power  of  his  love  ? 
If  he  loved  Jesus,  would  he  not  tell  of  his  love  ? 
But  no ;  when  the  subject  comes  home  he  seems  to  be 
a  stranger  to  grace.  And  shall  I  cease  to  pray  for 
him  ?  No — let  my  supplications  be  increased  in  his 
behalf  Shall  I  not  see  an  answer  to  my  strong  cries 
and  tears  which  have  already  been  poured  out  for 
him  ?     O  that  salvation  m jght  come  to  his  house  ! 

"  At  evening  devotion  had  a  delightful  season.  My 
Father  smiled — Jesus  drew  near — the  Comforter  de- 
scended— and  I  could  praise  the  Lord  and  give  glory 
to  my  God — and  at  church  too,  rich  food — that  bread 
which  Cometh  down  from  heaven,  was  communicated, 
and  my  soul  feaste.dJ 

*  Love  divine,  all  love  excelling.' 

"  O  the  sweet  peace  of  my  happy  soul ;  '  Tell  me 
no  more  of  earthly  toys;'  Christ  is  my  theme,  and 
Christ  my  song.    None  but  Jesus  and  him  crucified  ! 

"  Feb.  18. — This  morning,  just  before  I  arose,  had 
a  view  in  my  sleep,  which  has  left  a  solemn  impres- 
sion on  my  mind :  I  seemed  to  be  in  a  store,  in  com- 
pany with  a  few  persons,  when  suddenly  a  sound 
came  as  the  voice  of  thunder,  and  light  spread  all 
around,  and  a  rider  upon  a  frightened  horse  passed 
the  window — alarm  seized  all  around  me,  and  one  in 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  197 

particular.  The  scene  was  again  repeated  in  quick 
succession  ;  and,  looking  up,  I  saw  an  appearance  like 
the  sun  descending  majestically,  but  with  mighty- 
force,  and  dashed  it  upon  the  earth.  Immediately  after, 
there  appeared,  in  various  directions,  large  balls,  as  of 
melted  iron,  which  were  driven  about  with  the  velo- 
city of  lightning.  I  awoke,  but  unalarmed,  as  in  the 
midst  of  the  shock,  looking  unto  the  Lord. 

^'  The  reflection  that  arose  was,  how  easily  could 
almighty  God  dissolve  this  earth,  and  summon  the 
world  to  judgment.  And  as  easily  can  he  dash  his 
foes  to  pieces.  O  the  day  of  the  Lord  will  come  as  a 
thief  in  the  night;  in  the  which  the  heavens  shall 
pass  away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  shall 
melt  with  fervent  heat ;  the  earth  also,  and  the  works 
that  are  '  therein,  shall  be  burned  up.' 

"  Feb.  20. — Although  weary  with  my  labor,  before 
retiring  I  would  record  the  rich  display  of  the  love  of 
my  covenant  God.  Went  into  the  prayer-hall  this 
evening  with  my  mind  troubled,  principally  from  the 
necessity  of  so  constant  attention  to  my  studies,  and 
that  I  had  no  more  time  for  reading  the  Scriptures, 
meditation,  and  prayer.  My  heavenly  Father  wit- 
nessed the  movings  and  the  sincerity  of  my  heart,  and 
graciously  smiled  upon  me.  My  Jesus  sympathized 
with  me — my  Comforter  drew  near;  and  O  what  a 
blessing  was  poured  into  my  soul ! 

"  Feb.  24. — Received  two  letters  this  morning  from 
the  east,  br  nging  '  glad  tidings  of  great  joy.'  Revivals 
of  religion  are  multiplying,  and  souls  are  flocking  to 
the  cross.  At  evening  devotion,  had  a  '  gracious  rain.* 
O  what  intimate  communion  with  the  Father !  The 
17* 


198  MEMOIR  OF 

Beloved,  is  my  beloved.    And  who  is  rich,  and  I  am 
not  rich  ?    '  Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul !' 

"  Had  a  refreshing  letter  from  sister  M.  corrobora- 
ting former  intelligence  of  the  revival,  with  the  men- 
tion of  its  commencement  in  Old  Haddam ;  also,  that 
another  relative  testifies  to  the  pardoning  love  of  God. 
Now  all,  save  one,  of  my  mother's  brothers  and  sisters 
profess  religion,  and  I  trust  live  near  to  God." 

To  a  letter  of  Rev.  Mr.  H ,  indicating  his  affec- 
tionate regard,  and  testifying  to  the  blessing  of  God 
on  Mr.  Taylor's  labors  among  his  people  during  a 
late  visit,  he  thus  replied  : 

"February  21,  ISQi. 
"Rev  Father, 

"  For  to  me  you  have  exercised  an  oflBce  not  unlike 
that  of  Paul  to  Timothy,  whom  he  styles  his  son : 
and,  Timothy-like,  I  trust  your  admonition  and  wise 
instructions  will  greatly  tend  to  lead  me  in  the  way  of 
duty.  Indeed,  I  bless  the  kind  Providence  that  at  first 
directed  me  to  your  happy  mansion. 

"  When  I  recount  the  goodness  of  God  to  me  du- 
rmg  the  past,  and  survey  his  loving-kindness,  now 
surrounding  me,  and  look  beyond  time,  I  have  enough 
to  sink  my  soul  into  the  depths  of  gratitude  and  love. 
Glory  to  our  God  for  ever ;  and  let  every  one  say, 
amen ;  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

"  Sometimes  the  question  arises,  '  What  doest  thou 
here  V  But  as  often  I  have  found  that  I  could  not 
remove,  for  I  could  not  see  that  it  was  the  will  of  the 
Lord.  But  what  exercises  my  mind  the  most,  respect- 
ing my  course,  is  the  right  distribution  of  time,  i.  e. 
how  much  to  devote  to  each  duty  or  study.  Will  you 
oblige  me  with  your  thoughts  on  this  subject?    Had 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  199 

a  Student,  had  /  better  attend  to  my  college  studies  in 
preference  to  a  longer  attention  to  my  Bible?  Would 
I  not  be  safe  in  omitting,  during  my  course,  any  and 
all  kinds  of  reading  and  study,  except  the  Bible,  and 
what  is  required  in  college?  Would  I  not  thereby  be 
the  better  prepared  for  usefulness  ?  And  would  not  one, 
by  an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  with  love 
to  God,  be  better  prepared  for  heaven,  if  taken  away 
in  the  midst  of  his  preparation  for  the  pulpit  ?  I  find 
that  the  Bible  is  more  and  more  precious ;  and  my 
regret  is,  that  I  have  so  little  time  to  read  and  study 
it !  I  regret  too  my  ignorance  of  a  nameless  variety 
of  subjects,  which,  rising  to  my  view,  stamp  vacuum 
upon  my  mind — but  I  want  your  reply. 

"  O  what  a  mercy  that  one  need  not  be  a  Newton 
or  a  Locke  to  get  to  heaven.  And  where  does  piety 
display  itself  with  more  brilliancy  than  in  the  humble 
poor  ?  O  for  more  of  that  wisdom  that  cometh  from 
above  !  Lord,  what  I  know  not  teach  thou  me. 

''  Were  it  not  for  the  arm  of  the  Lord,  where  could 
a  poor  creature  rest  ?  W^here  a  minister  ?  Where  a 
candidate  for  the  ministry  ?  The  Lord  hide  us  in  his 
pavillion — shelter  us  under  his  wing,  till  all  the  storms 
of  life  be  overpast.  O  how  serene  !  My  soul  this  mo- 
ment anticipates  the  sweet  repose  :  yes,  I  feel  that  the 
kingdom  of  God  is  set  up  in  my  heart,  and  that  the 
King  is  on  his  throne.  Help  me  to  praise  the  Lord ! 
Are  you  not  all  captivated  with  our  beloved  ?  He  is 
the  chiefest  among  ten  thousand. 

"  To  preach  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified  !  For 
this  would  I  live,  and  in  this  alone  would  I  die.  I  have 
no  higher  object;  I  can  have  no  higher.  Do  you  re- 
spond. Lord,  endow  him  with  heavenly  gifts — anoint 


200 


MEMOIR   OF 


him  with  the  holy  oil — make  him  an  Israelite  indeed ; 
arm  him  with  the  Spirit's  power,  and  own  him  as  one 
of  thy  favored  servants  !  but,  ere  the  anticipated  hour, 
my  prospect  may  be  changed,  and  I  obey  the  sum- 
mons, '  Come  up  higher.'  Happy  thought !  There  I 
expect  to  meet  you — your  companion — your  children — 
how  then  will  we  tell  ?  O  the  fire  burns  in  my  soul, 
and  causes  the  ready  tear  to  flow — will  tell.  But  with 
these  thoughts  I  will  bid  you,  as  I  was  wont,  good 
night,  and  bear  us  all  before  the  throne  of  grace, 
sweetly  anticipating  the  time  when  I  shall  once  more 
greet  you  with  my  right  hand  and  affectionate  heart. 
Adieu,  James  B.  Taylor. 

"  Again  I  resume  my  pen  to  thank  you  for  your  last 
communication.  I  hope  this  will  find  you  all  feasting 
on  love  divine.  My  soul  was  blessed  while  writing  the 
above.  I  have,  as  usual,  given  you  my  thoughts  as 
they  flowed,  for  I  have  not  time  to  think.  May  they  be 
a  blessing  to  your  domestic  circle,  and  excite  your 
more  earnest  prayers  in  my  behalf.  I  often  think  of 
the  scene  on  board  the  sloop. 

'  How  bappy  are  tliey 
Who  their  Savior  obey.' 

*  The  Lord  was  with  us.    I  remember  too  the  case 

of  Mrs.   J ,  and   as  I  call  it  to  mind  now,  my 

thoughts  go  forward  to  the  bar  of  God.  I  ask.  Where 
shall  I  see  that  friend  stand  at  the  judgment-day  1 
Shall  I  be  a  witness  against  her  ?  May  she  repent, 
and  make  Jesus  her  friend.  With  what  pleasure  did  I 
read  your  testimony  of  the  steadfastness  of  those  two 
lambs  of  the  flock  !  The  Lord  hold  them  still  in  his 
arms.    May  they  cling  to  the  only  refuge  of  sinners. 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  201 

But  how  alarming,  my  dear  friend,  is  the  situation  of 
your  dear  congregation.  Although  not  retrogressive, 
why  do  we  not  see  those  who  profess  religion  with 
rapid  pace  march  up  the  heavenly  hill  ?  Alas  for  the 
ungodly  and  impenitent  in  the  midst  of  you !  Is  there 
not  a  cloud  of  wrath  impending  ?  Ah,  soon  many  un- 
converted souls  may  hear  their  doom — depart. 

"  To  Mrs.  H.  and  Miss  A.  and  S.  give  an  affection- 
ate remembrance.  J.  B.  T." 

"Nassau-Hall,  Feb.  29,  1824. 
*  To  the  dear  family  I  love, 

"  Whence  comes  it  that  I  have  had  no  letter  from 
any  of  you  thus  far  this  session  ?  It  is  true  I  am  not 
worthy  of  your  remembrance,  yet  your  aflfectionate  re- 
gard, I  think,  ought  to  have  prompted  the  seeming 
inertness  of  my  sisters  during  the  frozen  season.  O, 
you  know  not  of  how  mucb  you  may  have  deprived 
me,  by  not  telling  me  of  your  affairs.  But  I  have  been 
happy  ;  yes,  and  although  you  have  been  silent,  my 
voice  has  ascended  on  high  for  you  all.  And  while  I 
have  breath,  I  cannot  cease  to  pray  for,  and  while  I 
have  being,  to  love  you. 

"  The  Lord  still  remembers  me  wiihin  these  walls. 
My  health  is  as  usual.  The  prospect  of  seeing  you  in 
April  gives  me  pleasure :  but  I  make  no  definite  cal- 
culation. I  know  not  what  is  for  me  and  for  my  friends 
— I  feel  that  I  am  not  my  own.  Be  not  then  disap- 
pointed ;  whatever  change  takes  place,  sudden  or  look- 
ed for,  it  will  be  for  our  good. 

"  With  increased  affection, 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 

In  the  continuation  of   his  journal  we  trace  thai 


202  MEMOIR   OF 

spirituality  and  devotedness  of  heart  by  which  he  wag 
so  habitually  characterized. 

"March  7. — This  has  been  a  high  day  withmysoul. 
The  banner  of  Jesus  over  me  has  been  love.  He  has 
breathed  on  me,  and  given  me  a  refreshing  from  the 
Holy  Ghost.  O,  I  love  his  visits  !  How  animating  his 
presence  !  It  is  my  heaven  below.  Lord,  enlarge  the 
vessel,  and  give  me  more.  I  am  a  temple  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  with  a  sweet  prospect  of  heaven. 

"  14th. — Yesterday  went  to  seek  a  retreat  in  the 
woods — a  place  whither  I  might  resort  to  hold  con- 
verse with  God.  I  found  such  a  place,  and  if  permit- 
ted to  resort  thither,  at  morning,  noon,  or  eventide, 
may  I  find  the  good  Shepherd,  as  I  was  wont  to  find 
him  under  the  well-remembered  tree  at  L. 

"  Before  God,  and  in  the  presence  of  angels,  in 
secret,  and  in  the  great  congregation,  have  I  been 
sweetly  visited  this  Sabbath  day. 

'  Thine  earthly  Sabbaths,  Lord,  I  love.' 

"  Finished  reading  the  Revelation  to-day,  which  I 
have  done  in  course,  and  with  a  commentary.  Much 
light  has  been  scattered  in  my  path,  and  love  has 
flowed  into  my  soul,  through  the  word.  My  heart  has 
experienced  the  truth  of  God — I  have  felt  its  power — 
not  as  an  uncertain  sound,  but  as  the  voice  of  the  Al- 
mighty. 'Thy  law  is  my  delight.  How  love  I  thy 
testimonies.' 

•'  18th, — '  The  way  of  transgressors  is  hard,'  not 
only  with  the  unconverted,  but  Avith  those  who  are 
born  again.  So  have  I  found  it.  Yielding  to  tempta- 
tion has  brought  leanness  into  my  soul.  The  Lord, 
as  my  covenant  Father,  exercised  the  discipline  of  the 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  203 

covenant,  and  so  visited  my  sins  with  stripes.  '  Alas 
for  me  !'  cried  my  dejected  spirit — bowed  down  as  a 
bulrush  I  went,  seeking  rest  but  finding  none,  from 
morning  till  night.  At  evening  devotion  my  heart 
broke  with  contrition  and  hatred  of  sin. — Repented 
and  made  difull  surrender  to  God,  and  felt  the  bless- 
edness of  sins  forgiven,  and  the  restoration  of  life 
divine. 

"  20th. — Felt  an  indwelling  God  to-night. 

"28th. — Yesterday  morning  arose  with  a  heavy 
load.  '  If  we  sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with  the  Fa- 
ther, Jesus  Christ  the  righteous,  who  is  the  propitia- 
tion for  our  sins.'  Upon  this  word  my  faith  fastened. 
Also  upon  this,  '  If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful 
and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from 
all  unrighteousness.'  But  the  whole  day  was  spent 
without  the  sensible  presence  of  God.  I  sought  him 
whom  my  soul  loveth,  but  found  him  not.  At  night 
too,  upon  my  knees — reading  my  Bible — in  meditation 
— visiting  the  sick  and  the  people  of  God  ;  but  all  in 
vain — the  glory  had  departed,  and  darkness  covered 
my  soul.  Thus  it  was  after  my  return  to  my  Bethel. 
Being  about  to  retire,  I  knew  not  but  I  must  lie  down 
under  the  frown  of  God,  w^hich  I  most  justly  experi- 
enced ;  but  I  resolved  upon  one  more  effort,  and  went 
out  of  college  with  groans  which  could  not  be  uttered. 
O  the  pressure  that  sunk  me  down  !  I  refused  to  be 
comforted  till  my  Beloved  should  visit  me  'with  the 
kisses  of  his  mouth.'  I  made  my  way  to  a  retired  spot 
in  agony  of  soul.  There  I  seated  myself,  and  attempted 

to  sing, 

*  Mercy,  O  thou  Son  of  David !' 

*'My  mouth  was  stopped.  I  felt  guilty  before  a  hc!y 


204  MEMOIR   OF 

Grod:  prostrate  before  him,  with  uplifted  eyes,  me- 
thought, 

*  Cold  mountains  and  the  midnight  air 
Witness'd  the  fervor  of  thy  prayer.' 

"It  touched  my  heart,  and  faith's  view  of  Jesus 
broke  the  chain :  the  burden  glided  off,  and  I  returned 
giving  glory  to  God. 

'  The  desert  thy  temptations  knew, 
Thy  conflict,  and  thy  victory  too.' 

"  I  laid  me  down  and  slept  sweetly,  as  in  the  em- 
braces of  my  Beloved,  and  arose  this  morning  with  a 
thankful  remembrance  of  God's  mercy. 

"  I  praise  the  Lord  for  his  discipline  of  the  covenant, 
as  promised  in  the  89th  Psalm,  30th  verse  ;  and  that 
as  the  good  Shepherd,  he  has  restored  a  wandering 
sheep. 

"  Lord's  day,  April  4. — Yesterday  morning  had  a 
rich  blessing  from  above.  My  mind  has  been  turned 
towards  the  King  of  Zion  for  direction  relative  to  my 
anticipated  vacation.  Heretofore  I  have  made  too  many 
calculations  of  my  own,  which  in  many  instances  have 
been  frustrated.  Upon  the  Lord  have  I  been  able  to 
lean  while  pleading  with  him  for  guidance  in  the  way 
I  should  go,  and  that  he  would  attend  me  as  I  go  out 
and  Gome  in.  I  have  no  plan,  nor  perhaps  do  I  need 
one  ;  for  the  assurance  seemed  to  come  to  me,  '  What 
thou  knowest  not  now,  thou  shalt  know  hereafter.' 
But  a  larger  blessing  was  communicated  to  me  during 
this  evening's  devotion.  I  called  to  mind,  with  a 
grateful  recollection,  the  refreshings  the  Lord  had 
vouchsafed  to  me  in  ray  little  Bethel  here,  some  of 
which  I  have  recorded  for  future  review,  should  I  have 
occasion.     The  coming  vacation  again  rested  on  my 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  205 

mind,  with  a  desire  to  know  the  will  of  the  Lord,  and 
again  I  was  unburdened  with,  '  What  thou  knowest 
not  now,  thou  shalt  know  hereafter:'  so  I  trust  the 
Lord  will  make  all  plain  before  me,  and  lead  me  in  a 
way  in  which  he  will  be  glorified  and  my  soul  greatly 
D€nefited.  The  thought  that  1  might  possibly  never 
return,  led  me  to  contemplate  my  heavenly  home.  I 
knew  not  but  the  Master  would  call  for  me  soon.  I 
'  groaned,  being  burdened  ;  not  that  I  would  be  un- 
clothed, but  clothed  upon  with  my  house  which  is  from 
heaven.'  For  a  moment  Jesus  seemed  to  hide  his  face. 
But  this  made  way  for  a  brighter  vision  of  the  Father 
through  the  Son  ;  and  such  a  season  of  communion 
with  my  heavenly  Father,  with  so  much  of  the  spirit 
of  adoption,  I  think  I  never  before  experienced.  With 
what  melting  of  soul  did  I  say,  Abba,  Father !  and 
the  manifestation  of  the  Son  was  with  joy.  I  praise 
the  Lord,  the  power  of  God  was  upon  me.  Afterwards 
1  had  an  agonizing  spirit  of  prayer  for  my  friend  L.  P. 
such  as  I  had  not  felt  for  some  time ;  I  knew  not  in- 
deed but  I  had  lost  it  for  ever.  I  am  more  encouraged 
for  him.  My  only  request  is,  that  he  may  be  converted. 
Lord,  send  salvation  to  his  soul. 

"  This  visitation  was  indeed  a  crowning  blessing  ; 
and  I  shall  doubtless  remember  this  4th  of  April  as  an 
uncommon  season  before  the  Lord. 

"  Enjoyed  a  delightful  season  with  a  colored  bro- 
ther this  night.  Happy  soul !  I  have  found  him  a 
kindred  spirit.  We  are  all  one  in  Christ  Jesus.  Al- 
though he  cannot  read,  he  can  tell  of  wonders  that 
God  hath  wrought  for  him. 

"  April  8.— Left  Princeton  for  New-York.  For  a 
day  or  two  previous  my  mind  was  in  darkness,  and  I 

18  J-  B.  Taylor. 


206  MEMOIR   OF 

went  mourning  my  heaviness.  I  inquired  of  the  Lord 
if  I  should  go  thus  on  my  way  to  my  father's  house  ? 
and  laid  my  cause  before  the  throne.  The  time  soon 
arrived  for  the  dismissal  of  my  class,  at  which  time 
the  standing  of  each  student  was  made  known.  Hav- 
ing found  my  standing  to  be  No.  1,  I  repaired  to  my 
room,  and  once  more  looked  to  the  Lord  for  his  dis- 
tinguishing love,  with  the  strong  feeling  that  earthly 
distinction  cannot  satisfy  my  heart's  desire.  Here, 
while  I  remembered  the  goodness  of  God  during  the 
past  winter,  in  blessing  me  in  soul  and  body,  growth 
in  grace,  and  success  in  my  studies,  the  Sun  of  righ- 
teousness seemed  to  break  through  the  cloud  ;  but  I 
was  interrupted  by  the  approach  of  a  friend.  Recol- 
lecting the  standing  which  had  been  given  me  by  the 
faculty,  I  said  to  myself,  What  are  honors  ?  What  is 
earthly  applause  ?  Ah,  these  are  not  my  God.  I  saw 
their  emptiness,  and  not  only  desired,  but  longed  for 
his  presence  in  whom  my  soul  takes  delight.  The 
Lord  bowed  the  heavens,  and  while  I  wrote  vanity 
upon  all  things  beside  his  love,  he  let  drop  sweetness 
into  my  soul,  and  I  was  blessed  with  a  blessing  that 
'  maketh  rich,  and  addeth  no  sorrow.'  '  Bless  the  Lord, 

0  my  soul.' 

"Having  repaired  to  my  room  for  prayer,  for  the 
last  time  before  my  departure,  1  met  my  God,  who  put 
upon  me  anew  the  armor  in  which  I  stood  fast.  Thence 

1  went  to  take  leave  of  brother  L.  where  the  Lord  again 
manifested  himself  to  me  in  power.    Before,  and  at 

he  throne  of  grace  with  him,  I  was  happy  and  exult- 
ed in  Jehovah,  who  is  my  strength  and  my  salvation. 
The  season  was  a  good  one  to  brother  L,  too.  May 
the  Lord  abundantly  bless  him. 


JAMES    BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  207 

"  After  parting  with  him,  with  many  tears,  I  set  out 
for  New-Brunswick,  whither,  with  the  exception  of 
two  mileSj  I  journeyed  on  foot.  By  this  means  I  was 
able  to  save  one  dollar  and  twenty-five  cents  to  aid  a 
poor  widow.  How  sweet  is  self-denial  when  practiced 
for  growth  in  grace,  or  to  relieve  the  distressed  !  The 
Lord  gave  me  a  liberal  heart ;  I  trust  it  has  been  en- 
larged of  late. 

"  Spent  a  night  with  my  very  dear  friend  Mr.  D. 
and  family,  into  whose  mansion  I  was  received  with 
great  cordiality.  The  Lord  bless  that  household,  and 
make  it  a  household  of  faith  and  holiness. 

"  Arrived  in  New-York  on  the  10th,  and  designed  to 
leave  for  Middle  Haddam  in  the  afternoon,  but  was  de- 
tained by  adv-r^rse  winds  to  receive  a  propitious  gale 

from  beyond  the  skies.    At  brother  J 's,  with  my 

father  and  his  seven  sons,  together  with  the  beloved 
companions  of  brothers  K.  and  J.,  the  good  Shepherd 
met  us.  We  found  it  good  to  converse  and  pray  to- 
gether. Yes,  we  had  a  blessing  indeed.  My  soul,  in 
recounting  the  favors  of  the  past  session,  melted  be- 
fore the  Lord  in  gratitude  and  praise.  I  testified  to 
them  all  concerning  the  loving-kindness  of  our  God. 
They  too  were  melted,  and  it  was  a  precious  season. 

'  Tell  me  no  more  of  earthly  joys.' 

"  Arrived  at  Middle  Haddam  on  the  14th,  and  was 
once  more  received  into  the  bosom  of  our  dear  house- 
hold. Thanks  to  the  Lord  for  his  goodness.  While 
on  my  voyage  I  had  but  little  opportunity  for  retire- 
ment. Before,  and  upon  my  arrival,  I  had  a  hungering 
and  thirsting  after  righteousness,  and  the  Lord  filled 


208 


MEMOIR   OF 


me.  I  retired  and  held  sweet  communioa  with  heaven. 
Soon  the  family  was  together,  and  we  enjoyed  a  sea- 
son of  prayer.  God  was  with  us  and  blessed  us  abund- 
antly. The  Beloved  spread  his  banner  over  us,  and 
our  souls  were  filled  with  love.  Happy  meeting  !  How 
much  happier  when  we  meet  above  ! 

"  23d. — This  evening  had  a  most  fervent  spirit  of  de 
votion  at  family  worship.  The  Lord  richly  blessed  us 
with  his  love.  God  is  love.  With  what  tenderness  and 
simplicity  the  child  of  God  calls  upon  him,  when  the 
spirit  of  prayer  is  poured  out.  I  have  found  every 
season  of  family  worship  precious,  but  this  was  ex- 
ceedingly precious.  Wrote  cousin  M.  A. — The  Lord 
speed  her  on  her  journey  to  the  skies." 

This  letter,  with  some  slight  omissions,  here  fol 
lows : 

''Middle  Haddam,  Jipril  23, 1824. 

"  Be  assured  it  would  give  me  heart-felt  satisfaction 
to  tender  you  my  right  hand,  and  again  enjoy  that 
christian  communion  in  which  we  have  so  often  de- 
lighted. 

"  My  dear  cousin,  what  shall  I  say  ?  With  you,  I 
presume,  it  has  been  joy  and  rejoicing  all  the  day 
long.  How  delightfully,  then,  has  time  passed  away  ! 
How  sweet  have  you  found  it  to  retire  from  the  world 
and  hold  intercourse  with  heaven!  And  have  you  not 
had  nearness  of  access  in  pleading  for  me  ?  O  how 
it  would  afflict  the  soul  of  my  cousin,  should  I  tell  her 
that  coldness  and  deadness  have  prevailed  over  me 
since  I  saw  her  !  Would  you  not  exclaim, '  0  that  my 
head  were  waters,  and  mine  eyes  a  fountain  of  tears, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  209 

that  I  might  weep  day  and  night  for  him  1'  But  give 
praise  to  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  I  have  spent 
the  happiest  winter  of  my  life  ;  yes,  my  soul  has  been 
in  health  and  prospered.  And  methiuks  you  will  say, 
'Bless  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good,  for  his  mercy  endur- 
eth  for  ever.' 

"  Happy,  happy  seasons  have  I  experienced  since 
last  I  gave  you  the  parting  hand.  For  the  most  part  I 
have  had  the  kingdom  of  heaven  sensibly  set  up  in 
my  soul.  Sometimes  peace  hath  ruled  my  heart,  some- 
times the  overpowering  love  of  God.  The  King  has 
been  and  is  now  on  the  throne.  I  am  crucified  with 
Christ,  nevertheless  I  live ;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth 
in  me  :  and  the  life  that  I  live  in  the  flesh.  I  live  by 
the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave 
himself  for  me. 

"  You  will  recollect  the  seasons  we  enjoyed  when 
last  together — seasons  of  prayer  and  praise.  But,  to 
me,  none  is  more  memorable  than  that  enjoyed  nearly 
two  years  ago  at  Mr.  B.'s.  Happy  time  !  glorious  era! 
for  the  Lord  then  and  there  accomplished  for  a  poor 
sinner  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will.  What  a  blessing 
it  was  !  not  like  the  morning  cloud  and  the  early  dew, 
but  permanent  as  his  love. 

"  To  enumerate  the  renewals  of  his  presence  I  have 
had  since,  would  be  impossible.  Suffice  it  to  say,  his 
banner  over  me  has  been  love.  Into  the  love  of  God, 
as  an  ocean,  have  I  sunk.  Gospel  measure  has  been 
bestowed,  and  I  have  been  richly  fed  from  the  Mas- 
ter's table. 

"  Does  not  my  testimony  encourage  you  to  continue 
your  supplication?  I  long  to  have  the  windows  ot 
heaven  opened,  and  abundant  blessings  poured  down 
18* 


210  MEMOIR    OF 

from  on  high.  Let  us  then  send  up  our  prayers  that 
brighter,  and  still  brighter  manifestations  may  be  made 
to  us,  that  as  the  shining  light  we  may  shine  more 
and  more  to  the  perfect  day. 

"  Those  among  us  who  stand  fast,  seem  to  progress 
m  their  way.  But,  alas,  how  many  there  are  who  say, 
Lord,  Lord,  but  do  not  his  commandments  !  These 
things  ought  not  so  to  be.  Let  us  take  warning  and 
hold  fast  whereunto  we  have  attained,  that  no  one  take 
our  crown. 

"  Seeing  that  the  time  is  at  hand,  should  we  not  be 
faithful  ?  Our  season  for  laying  up  treasure  in  heaven 
will  soon  be  over ;  our  opportunities  to  warn  the  Im- 
penitent all  be  past,  and  prayer  be  turned  into  praise, 
hope  into  fruition,  and  time  will  be  no  longer.  Bless- 
ed is  that  servant,  who,  at  the  coming  of  the  Lord, 
shall  be  found  faithful.  He  will  receive  all  such  unto 
himself,  that  where  he  is,  there  they  may  be  also. 
Does  not  your  soul  long  for  the  blessed  abode  ?  '  To 
be  with  Christ  is  best.'  I  expect  to  see  you  in  heaven 
there.  The  Lord  has  given  me  an  earnest  of  the  in- 
heritance— a  foretaste  of  glory.  On  earth  we  draw 
near  to  God.  In  heaven  we  shall  see  Jesus  as  he  is. 
Angels  and  saints  will  be  our  companions.  Then  shall 
we  sing  '  loud  hallelujahs  to  the  Lamb  for  ever  and 
ever.'  " 

The  reader  will  observe  that  James  B.  Taylor  was 
DOW  passing  his  college  vacation  among  his  friends; 
but  instead  of  wasting  his  precious  time  in  seeking 
pleasure  or  in  listless  mactivity,  as  is  the  case  with 
too  many  young  men  in  such  circumstances,  the  sea- 
son appears,  from  his  letters  and  journal,  to  have  been 


JAMES  BRAIN  ERD  TAYLOR.  211 

one  of  constant  and  faithful  labor.  By  day  and  night, 
*  publicly,  and  from  house  to  house,'  and  at  various 
places — in  Middle  Haddam,  Colchester,  Bozrah,  &c. 
did  he  exercise  himself  in  exhorting,  and  praying,  and 
conversing,  and  singing  the  songs  of  Zion  ;  endeavor- 
ing, by  all  the  means  he  could  employ,  to  diffuse  his 
own  spirit  among  professors  of  religion  ;  directing  in- 
quiring souls  to  the  Lamb  of  God  ;  rejoicing  with 
young  converts,  and  warning  the  careless  and  impeni- 
tent of  their  danger.  And  there  is  reason  to  believe 
that  very  many  souls  will  bless  God  to  all  eternity 
for  this  college  vacation  of  Mr.  Taylor,  which  gave 
the  time  and  opportunity  for  his  labors  among  them. 
Even  on  his  way  back  to  Princeton,  being  driven  by 
stress  of  weather  to  make  a  harbor  at  Sachem's  Head, 
he  went  ashore  and  continued  his  faithful  labors. 

"  Here,  says  he,  I  found  work  to  do — visited  from 
house  to  house,  and  in  the  evening  held  a  meeting. 
Thank  the  Lord  for  another  opportunity  of  sowing 
the  good  seed.  May  it  be  nurtured  by  the  Holy  Spirit.' 

"  May  14. — Arrived  at  New-York,  and  spoke  in  a 
meeting  at  night  with  apparent  effect.  After  I  had  re- 
tired, for  some  time  sleep  fled  from  me,  while  the  con- 
dition of  this  city  pressed  upon  my  mind.  Thought  I, 
what  stays  the  thunderbolts  of  Jehovah's  wrath  from 
this  people  ?  O  that  salvation  might  visit  them  !  I  en- 
deavored to  be  faithful  in  bearing  testimony  to  the 
truth ;  and  I  found  that  where  the  word  of  a  King  is, 
there  is  power. 

"  20. — Last  evenmg  reached  Princeton,  and  re- 
joice that  the  Lord  has  led  me  in  paths  that  I  little 


212  MEMOIR   OP 

thought  of,  when  I  had  the  assurance,  '  What  thou 
Jcnowcst  not  now,  thou  shalt  know  hereafter.^  He  is 
well  led  whom  the  Lord  leadeth.  Henceforward  let 
me  lean  upon  his  arm  and  be  guided  by  his  Spirit. 

"  21. — At  evening  devotion  sought  him  whom  my 
soul  loveth,  and  found  him  the  chief  among  ten  thou- 
sand, and  altogether  lovely.  After  reading  the  word, 
walked  out  to  my  retreat,  away  from  the  world,  to 
hold  intercourse  with  heaven.  The  intercourse  was 
open  and  free — the  communion  sweet — while  I  sunk 
into  nothing  before  the  Lord,  and  melted  into  love  and 
tenderness  at  the  view  of  his  abundant  goodness. 
Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul.  May  I  ever  find  this  place 
a  Bethel.  Walked  to  see  T.,  and  found  him  alive. 
With  him  held  communion.  He  seems,  and  I  felt  him 
to  be,  a  man  of  God  ;  and  though  a  colored  man,  be- 
loved of  God,  and  by  me.  '  Every  one  that  loveth  him 
that  begat,  loveth  him  also  that  is  begotten  of  him.' 
1  John,  5:1.  I  expect  to  talk  to  the  colored  people  at 
his  house  on  Sunday  evening  next.  May  good  be  done. 

"  Two  weeks  ago  this  night  I  was  blessed  of  God 
with  a  powerful  visitation  of  grace  and  iove  in  the 
closet,  at  Mr.  C.'s,  in  Colchester  ;  after  which  we  had 
an  interesting  meeting  for  old  professors,  young  con- 
verts, and  anxious  souls.  They  are  now  doubtless  as- 
sembled, and  enjoying  God's  blessing.  I  love  them  in 
our  dear  Lord.  And  do  they  not  pray  for  my  pros- 
perity ?  Lord,  hear  prayer  in  my  behalf.  Salivation  ! 
The  Lord  will  provide  ! 

"  How  good  is  the  Lord  !  How  shall  I  praise  him  I 
Eternity  is  not  too  long  to  utter  all  his  praise.  My 
wants  are  supplied,  and  I  have  a  surplus.  For  soul  and 
body  provision  is  made.    And  now  to  God,  whose  I 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  213 

am,  I  would  commit  my  way — acknowledge  him  in  all 
ray  paths,  and  pray  that  he  would  direct  my  steps. 

"  31. — Had  at  evening  devotion  an  overflow  of  God's 
love,  after  an  absence  of  the  Comforter,  grieved  away 
by  my  rebellion.  But  upon  my  humble  submission, 
with  deep  repentance,  my  Savior  returned  to  my  soul. 
Alas  !  why  should  I  ever  leave  him  ?  But  bless  the 
Lord  for  the  discipline  of  his  covenant,  and  for  the 
manifestations  of  his  favor  and  love.  Wrote  to  my 
friend  E." 

"Nassau-Hall,  May  31,  1824. 

"Very  dear  E , 

"  Having  passed  the  day  in  my  ordinary  pursuits, 
and  been  abundantly  refreshed  at  evening  devotion,  I 
feel  constrained  to  bless  the  Lord  and  take  courage  ; 
yes,  I  rejoice  that  another  day  has  been  numbered — 
another  of  the  days  of  my  pilgrimage  below ;  for  the 
sweet  prospect  of  heaven  has  gathered  brightness, 
while  my  soul  has  melted  with  the  love  of  God,  let 
down  in  streams  from  the  overflowing  fountain.  O  my 
dear  E.,  who  is  rich,  and  the  Christian  not  rich  ?  Who 
is  happy,  and  the  Christian  not  happy  ?  Let  the  world 
have  the  pleasures  of  the  world  ;  but  our  souls  cry 
out  for  God,  for  the  living  God,  in  whose  presence 
below  is  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 

"  I  can  tell  you  how  my  mind  was  led  this  evenmg, 
and  it  may  prove  a  blessing  to  you.  1  read  the  2d 
chapter  of  Isaiah.  The  promise  of  prosperity  to  Zion, 
the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house,  cheered  my  heart ; 
I  could  believe  that  all  nations  shall  flow  unto  it,  and 
I  anticipate  the  glorious  day,  though  not  on  earth,  to 
witness  it,  yet  in  heaven  to  rejoice  wilh  the  church 


214  MEMOIR   OP 

triumphant.  My  soul  cried  out,  Let  the  Lord  alone 
he  exalted  !  But  the  last  verse,  which  speaks  of  'man 
whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils,'  came  with  a  richer 
blessing.  Thought  I,  soon  my  pilgrimage  will  end. 
Perchance  these  hands  will  soon,  with  all  this  frame, 
lie  motionless  in  the  grave.  The  thought  was  sweet, 
for  my  spirit  laid  fast  hold  on  .'  the  resurrection  and 
the  life.'  In  his  name  I  could  look  up  to  God,  and  cry 
Abba,  Father.  My  Father  smiled — Jesus  looked  upon 
me — the  Spirit  comforted  me — my  heart  exulted  :  O 
bless  his  name  for  ever  !  Such  a  view  of  Jesus  and  his 
cross — his  sufferings  and  death — his  resurrection  and 
ascension — and  his  reigning  power,  I  have  seldom 
experienced : 

'  The  hill  ef  Zion  yields 

'  A  thousand  sacred  sweets.' 

"  My  friend,  let  us  bev/ars :  we  are  surrounded  by 
the  world.  Having  been  brought  unto  liberty,  let  us 
not  be  entangled  with  the  yoke  of  bondage.  Let  us 
give  all  our  time  to  the  Lord,  by  being  diligent  in  bu- 
siness and  fervent  in  spirit ;  and  may  what  we  have 
to  do  he  well  done. 

"  From  the  world  we  do  not  expect  02ir  joys.  They 
llow  from  another  source — a  pure  fountain.  Let  the 
world  share  but  little  of  our  mind — but  little  !  nay,  we 
must  not  love  the  world  at  all.  '  Love  not  the  world.' 
I  believe  you  do  not  love  the  world — you  delight  in 
things  heavenly.  May  you  watch,  and  keep  your  gar- 
ments unspotted  from  the  world ;  and  hold  fast  where- 
unto  thou  hast  attained,  and  show  out  of  a  godly  con- 
versation that  your  citizenship  and  treasure  are  above. 
Then,  whether  your  days  be  few  or  many,  all  will  be 


JAMES    BRAINEHD    TAYLOR.  2] 5 

well :  God  will  be  glorified,  and  your  soul  happy  for 
ever." 

A  letter,  dated  Nassau-Hall,  June  3,  1824,  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  L.  and  family,  mentions  some  of  the  revi- 
vals of  religion,  in  which  our  young  friend  took  much 
delight,  and  labored  with  great  success. 

♦  *  *  *  "  Little  did  I  think  that  an  absence  from 
college  of  six  weeks  would  take  place,  without  the 
pleasure  of  associating,  for  a  short  time  at  least,  Vv'ith 

those  friends  I  so  much  esteem  at  M :  but  so  it 

lias  been.  The  six  weeks  have  gone  by,  and  you  have 
fared,  in  this  respect,  as  other  circles  of  friends  else- 
where. If  you  should  ask  me  why,  I  have  to  answer 
that  Providence  detained  me. 

"  When  I  left  Princeton,  and  knew  not  whither  the 
Lord  would  lead  me,  to  him  I  committed  every  thing, 
with  the  assurance  that  v/hat  I  knew  not  then  I  should 
know  afterwards.  And  be  assured  I  was  led  in  a  way 
I  had  little  thought  of — a  way  which  has  been  at  the 
same  time  both  pleasant  and  profitable.  Imagine  me 
going  from  house  to  house,  and  in  public,  warning  the 
impenitent  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come :  sometimes 
in  one  place,  sometimes  in  another,  bearing  testimony 
to  the  truth — seeing  Christians  alive  in  the  cause  of 
God,  converts  exulting,  and  sinners  weeping. 

'•  I  was  located  some  time  in  Colchester,  where, 
within  six  months,  upwards  oi  four  hundred  were 
hopefully  born  again.  Were  I  with  you,  I  could  tell 
you  of  happy  times  in  which  the  Lord  blessed  my  soul 
abundantly — I  could  tell  you  of  seasons  when  the  peo- 
ple of  God  appeared  to  be  refreshed  from  his  presence. 


216  MEMOIR    OF 

The  Lord  is  still  doing  wonders  in  Connecticut:  not 
only  by  scores,  but  by  hundreds,  are  sinners  flocking 
to  Christ.  In  Millington  they  number  upwards  of 
one  himdred;  East  Haddam,  tico  hundred  andjifty; 
Old  Haddam,  seventy.  North  Lyme  and  Gilead  were 
witnessing  the  commencement  of  a  gracious  work ; 
and  yesterday  I  heard  of  another  place — Meriden, 
twenty  miles  from  Old  Haddam,  where  the  work  had 
begun.  In  Hartford  county,  about  a  year  since,  there 
were  about  three  hundred  souls  gathered  in.  But  why 
speak  of  places  at  a  distance  ?  How  is  it  at  home,  and 
in  your  own  hearts?  Are  you  not  encouraged  ?  We 
should  indeed  bless  the  Lord  and  take  courage.  '  O 
that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and 
for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men  !' 

"  Since  my  return,  the  good  Shepherd  has  fed  me 
in  green  pastures,  and  led  me  beside  the  still  waters." 

How  the  ever-active  benevolence  and  zeal  of  Mr. 
Taylor  were  continually  manifesting  themselves,  may 
be  seen  in  every  thing  he  wrote :  but  perhaps  in  no- 
thing more  strikingly  than  in  the  following  letter: 

"  Nassau-Hall,  June  6,  1824. 
**  AflFcctionate  and  endeared  Parents, 

"  Your  son  is  yet  alive,  and  still  the  happy  recipi- 
ent of  grace  and  love  divine.  You  have  doubtless  had 
an  account  of  our  voyage  to  N.  Y.  which  was  rather 
long ;  but  perhaps  the  Lord  meant  it  for  good.  In  due 
time  I  arrived  at  Princeton,  and  found  new  cause  for 
gratitude  and  praise  to  our  heavenly  benefactor. 

"  Often  have  I  recurred  to  the  state  of  our  family, 
and  the  families  of  Middle  Haddam,  since  I  left  you, 


JAMES    BRAIN ERD    TAYLOR.  2 17 

And  I  have  inquired  with  myself  of  their  condition — 
how  are  they  ?  You  recollect  the  pleasing  prospect 
among  professors  when  I  bade  you  farewell.  I  v\ras 
much  encouraged;  and  still  entertain  the  pleasing 
hope  that  new  fire  has  been  enkindled  ;  and  that  what 
we  tiien  enjoyed  was  only  the  harbinger  of  good  things 
lo  that  people.  As  the  Sabbath  morning  returns,  I 
think  of  my  father's  house,  and  imagine  an  assembly 
of  the  neighbors  ail  uniting  in  songs  of  praise,  and  in 
■earnest  supplication  for  God's  rich  blessing.  When 
Friday  evening  arrives,  I  think  of  the  appointed  meet- 
ing for  the  people  of  God.  And  how  cheering  the 
thought  that  you  have  met  v/ith  Jesus  in  your  social 
assemblies,  in  your  closets,  and  in  the  great  congrega- 
tion. 

'•  I  trust  I  have  not  been  imagining  a  vain  thing. 
May  you  go  on  then.  Tell  those  who  love  our  Lord, 
that  I  bid  them  God  speed.  And  as  the  time  to  do 
much  for  God  has  come,  they  have  need  to  put  forth 
their  united  effort  for  the  accomplishmBnt  of  the  great- 
est good.  There  is  yet  remaining  very  much  land  to 
be  possessed.  And  will  they  not  go  up  and  possess 
all  the  land  ?  Alas !  how  many  among  you  knov/ 
not  God  !  How  many  prayerless  families  !  How  many 
m  which  no  one  soul  professes  hope  !  And  can  one 
professor  of  religion  stand  still  and  see  souls  perish- 
ing Without  an  effort  to  save  them  ?  Can  one  lover  of 
Jesus  refrain  night  or  day  from  praying  and  mourning 
in  secret  over  such  desolations  ?  Shall  one  be  found 
idle  when  so  much  is  to  be  done  ?  Shall  one  be  sleep- 
ing at  his  post  when  the  enemy  stands  thick  around  ? 
Shall  all  heaven  be  engaged  to  rescue  sinners  from 
{joing  down  to  the  pit,  and  shall  the  disciples  of  him 

29  J  E  Taylor. 


218  MEMOIR   OF 

v/ho  died  and  now  reigns — shall  the  disciples  of  Jesu5 
let  sinners  sink  to  hell?  It  must  fiot  be.  I  hope  bet- 
ter things  of  my  brethren.  Their  exertions,  I  trust, 
will  not  only  continue,  but  increase  ;  and  increasing, 
they  will  gather  strength.  O,  be  not  weary  in  well- 
doing, and  be  determined  to  die  in  the  cause — die, 
doing  the  will  of  our  Father  in  heaven  !  Amidst  other 
thoughts,  I  have  often  reflected  on  the  condition  of  my 
relations  and  friends.  How  delightful  to  remember 
that  I  have  a  father  and  mother,  parents  most  dear, 
that  love  the  Lord  I 

'•  While  on  my  mother's  side  many  have  been 
brought  to  experience  the  same  love,  the  thought  has 
occurred,  how  few  on  my  father's  side  !  Not  only  to 
you,  but  to  me  also,  this  is  a  painful  subject.  During 
last  winter  my  mind  was  much  interested  in  their  be- 
lialf,  which  drew  forth  many  earnest  supplications- 
Is  it  not  truly  affecting?  I  have  tried  to  put  myself  in 
the  place  of  my  father,  and  to  inquire,  what  if  my  bro- 
thers and  sisters  were  v/ithout  hope,  and  destitute  of 
vital  godliness  ?  But,  while  your  offspring  have  sub- 
mitted to  Christ,  you  have  to  mourn  over  the  offspring 
of  your  departed  father,  our  beloved  grand-parent. 
And  do  not  your  eyes  run  down  with  tears  ?  Does 
not  your  heart  oftentimes  break  within  you,  when  you 
remember  that  those  brothers  and  sisters  are  out  of 
Christ?  But  what  can  be  done  for  them?  From  me 
tiiey  are  all  far  away.  From  you,  with  one  exception, 
they  are  all  at  a  distance.  But  still  something  can  be 
done.  One  thing  we  can  do.  Let  me  suggest  that  our 
united  supplications  ascend  to  God,  in  good  earnest, 
for  the  salvation  of  their  souls.  Hitherto  I  bave  not 
pvayed  for  them  as  I  ought  to  have  done  :  and  I  wod- 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  219 

d€r  that  it  has  been  thus  with  me.  Shall  we  then,  ail 
of  us,  our  whole  family,  awake  and  plead  for  them  ? 
Who  will  say  nay  ?  Not  one.  Why  may  not  salva- 
tion visit  them  and  their  houses  ?  Shall  we  on  each 
Monday,  then,  remember  Xh^TO.  particularly  7  and  in 
our  devotions  continually  ?  I  need  not  wait  your  re- 
ply ;  the  suggestion  is  enough  to  interest  your  feel- 
ings ;  and  I  hope  a  spirit  of  prayer  will  be  poured  out 
upon  us,  so  that  we  shall  wrestle  and  prevail.  V/hat 
we  do,  must  be  done  quickly." 

To  his  friend  Mr.  D.  he  wrote,  on  the  12th  of  June, 
a  long  letter,  from  which  we  copy  the  following  pas- 
sage, as  meriting  the  practical  regard  of  all,  and  espe- 
cially those  followers  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  whose  stew- 
ardship he  has  committed  much  of  the  wealth  of  this 
world. 

'•  We  look  around  and  find  that  very  much  yet  re- 
mains to  be  done  for  the  conversion  of  sinners  to  God. 
And  this  should  occupy  us  continually.  How  shall  it 
be  accomplished  ?  At  once  we  perceive  that  di  faith- 
ful ministry  is  the  great  means  of  bringing  sinners  to 
Christ.  Should  this  be  an  educated  ministry  ?  We 
know  that  an  ignorant  ministry  is  not  sanctioned  by 
the  word  of  God.  To  be  able  to  teach,  one  must  be 
taught ;  and  to  such  as  are  able  to  teach,  this  ministry 
must  be  committed.  But  how  shall  they  be  taught  ? 
Do  not  our  theological  seminaries  afford  the  best 
means  for  training  men  for  this  work  ?  But  how  are 
those  to  be  supported  who  would  thus  prepare  to  serve 
God  in  the  Gospel  of  his  dear  Son?  Here  then  is  the 
point :  if  it  be  right  to  educate  men  for  the  holy  ofllce  ; 


220  MEMOIR   OP 

if  many  are  '  called  of  God,  as  was  Aaron,'  to  prepare 
for  this  office,  and  are  unable  to  defray  the  expenses 
attendant  upon  such  a  course,  what  must  be  done  ?  It 
is  true,  'the  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fullness  there- 
of;' but  of  all  which  is  his  oivn,  he  places  much  in 
the  hands  of  men,  to  afford  them  an  opportunity  of 
showing  their  benevolence  to  the  world.  It  requires 
about  ^150  to  support  a  young  man  at  one  of  our  se- 
minaries. ^2,500,  at  six  per  cent,  would  produce  this 
amount. 

"  The  time  is  coming  when  we  shall  be  no  more. 
But  if,  through  our  instrumentality,  an  object  of  this 
kind  be  accomplished  before  we  go  hence,  when  w& 
are  beyond  the  reach  of  doing  good  below,  a  scholar- 
ship will  be  the  means  of  qualifying  men  for  the  vine- 
yard of  the  Lord ;  and,  while  we  sleep  in  the  dust, 
heralds  of  the  cross  *  *  shall  go  through  the  land — 
sound  the  Gospel  trump — give  the  alarm  to  thousands, 
and  be  the  means,  doubtless,  of  winning  multitudes  to 
Christ.  O  what  a  field  here  for  exertion  on  our  part  ! 
And  if  ever  to  commence,  shall  we  not  begin  now? 
In  this  vray,  one  may  more  effectually  preach  the  Gos- 
pel than  he  could  were  he  to  live  a  thousand  years. 
And  let  him  know,  that  he  which  converteth  a  sinner 
from  the  error  of  his  ways,  shall  save  a  soul  from 
death,  and  hide  a  m^diitude  of  sins.  How  many  to 
be  converted  !  How  few  to  turn  them  from  the  error 
of  their  ways  I  Shall  we  stand  idle  ?  While  the  Mas- 
ter waiteth  let  us  up  and  serve  him." 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  221 

To  Miss  W . 

^'Princeton,  June  20,  1824. 

"  Your  friend  is  yet  in  the  land  of  the  living,  to 
praise  the  Lord.  Indeed,  who  should  praise  the  Lord, 
and  I  not  praise  him?  Who  should  love  him,  and  I 
not  love  himV  I  who  was  once  among  the  rebellious, 
as  a  sheep  going  astray,  but  who  have  been  turned 
unto  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  our  souls. 

"  Since  I  bade  you  farewell  and  left  your  happy 
mansion,  the  good  Shepherd  has  watched  over  me, 
and  fed  me  richly.  From  time  to  time  my  soul  has 
been  refreshed  by  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  I  have  felt, 
and  felt  powerfully,  an  indwelling  God.  This  day  at 
evening  I  had  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One.  The 
communion  with  the  Faiher,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  was  sweet.  And  how  sweet  the  savor  that  re- 
mains. The  peace  of  God  rules  in  ray  heart.  Like  a 
river  it  flows  through  the  soul  from  God  to  God  again. 
A  mystery  this  to  the  ungodly,  but  known  well  to  you 
and  to  all  who  love  God ;  yes,  to  all  who  love  God. 
People  may  talk  about  loving  God,  having  his  Spirit, 
and  yet  not  feeling  it.  But  to  me  there  seems  an  in- 
consistency here  ;  for  methinks  that  those  who  love 
God,  will  have  his  Spirit  as  a  refiner'' s  fire  and  as  a 
purifier  of  silver  moving  upon  their  souls.  And  where 
the  Spirit  moves,  it  fires — kindles  up  the  graces  of  the 
Spirit — inflames  the  affections,  and  produces  the  trial 
gold  of  holy  love,  peace,  and  joy.  As  the  soul  sinks 
into  the  love  of  God,  it  sinks  into  humility,  which  is 
accompanied  with  unceasing  prayer  and  thanksgiving. 
This  is  what  I  have  experiencea-. -God's  precious 
19* 


222  MEMOIR    OF 

gift^  and  bestowed  in  gracious  answer  to  my  prayers. 
Not  unto  me,'  but  to  God  be  all  the  glory  for  ever. 
What  a  consolation  that  there  are  those  who  can  tes- 
tify the  same  things,  havmg  enjoyed  the  same  or 
greater  manifestations  of  the  love  of  God  to  their 
once  sin-hound  souls,  but  who  are  now  brought  into 
the  liberty  of  the  children  of  God.  O  that  there  were 
an  host. 

"  But,  my  dear  friend,  professors  of  religion,  for  the 
most  part,  love  the  world  too  much.  Having  so  much 
of  the  love  of  the  world  in  their  hearts,  they  have  not 
room  for  the  love  of  God.  Rather  than  be  adorned 
with  '  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,'  they  prefer  the  orna- 
ments conformable  with  fashion.  Rather  than  walk 
humbly  and  near  the  Savior,  they  choose  to  walk  in  a 
vain  show  with  a  "proud  heart.  Rather  than  be  in 
their  closets  mourning  over  their  awful  departure 
from  God,  and  the  desolations  of  Zion,  they  content 
themselves  with  a  cold,  heartless  recital  of  their  dead 
ness,  which  becomes  so  stale  a  story  that  I  am  often 
discouraged,  and  in  their  behalf  fear  that  their  condi- 
tion will  never  be  bettered.  Is  it  not  so  ?  I  am  con- 
siderably in  the  world — you  much  more.  I  witness 
much  upon  which  I  write,  vanity,  while  I  listen  to  the 
vain  and  worldly  conversation  of  professors  of  reli- 
gion. I  say,  when  I  hear  the  expressions  of  their  ad- 
miration of  the  fashions  and  splendors  of  the  world, 
how  can  I  refrain  from  exclaimmg,  ^How  dwelleth  the 
love  of  God  in  themP  They  talk  of  the  things  that 
give  them  pleasure,  but  say  nothing  of  the  work  of 
grace  in  their  souls.  What  think  you  of  such  ?  Have 
they  a  name  to  live  ?  And  are  they  alive  ?  Themselves 
being   judges,  they  must  say,  No.    What  saith   the 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  22o 

Scriptures  ?  '  Wo  to  them  that  are  at  ease  in  Zion.' 
'  Love  not  the  world,  nor  the  things  of  the  world.'  To 
the  soul  that  is  elevated  to  God,  there  are  nobler  pur- 
suits than  these  phantoms  ;  higher  contemplations  than 
earth's  productions.  Does  not  your  heart  find  it  so  ? 

"But  of  the  young  ladies.  Have  they  continued, 
and  do  they  still  continue,  unreconciled  to  God? 
Miss  W.  what  will  the  end  of  these  things  be  ?  I 
doubt  not  they  share  your  affectionate  expostulations 
and  prayers.  It  is  true  they  are  in  the  morning  of  life, 
and,  conscious  of  this,  it  may  be  often  suggested  that 
when  years  shall  have  rolled  away  they  will  make 
their  peace  with  God.  I  doubt  not  that  many  now  in 
hell  had  the  same  suggestion,  and  yielding  to  it,  in 
some  unexpected  hour  their  lives  were  taken  away. 
Let  us  contemplate  one  of  your  young  ladies  deferring 
this  important  work  for  years  ;  say  till  she  come  to 
the  verge  of  life.  Then  she  is  taken  ill.  She  had  en- 
joyed the  pleasures  of  the  world;  but  now,  sick,  and 
with  the  prospect  of  soon  exchanging  time  for  eter- 
nity, how  pallid  that  once  blooming  countenance  !  how 
emaciated  that  once  healthy,  beauteous  form  !  And 
now  we  hear  uttered  in  thrilling  agony,  '  I  have  bar- 
tered away  a  life  of  piety  for  a  life  of  unsatisfying 
pleasures  !  Instead  of  the  smiles  of  God  as  my  hea- 
venly Father,  I  have  to  bear  his  frowns.  My  sin  !  Ah, 
my  sin  is  my  own  folly  !  Of  sin  I  was  often  warned, 
often  prayed  for,  often  wept  over ;  but  my  heart  har- 
dened under  reproof.  Ah,  where  am  I  now  ?  Friends 
weep  around,  but  they  cannot  help  me.  Soon  this  fast 
decaying  frame  will  sink  into  the  grave.  But  my  soul ! 
My  soul !  My  soul  is  damned  for  ever.'  Is  it  safe, 
then,  to  delay  this  great  concern  till  then?    Is  it  safe 


224  MEMOIR   OP 

to  delay  it  a  day  7  Will  they  not  resolve  to  secure 
their  salvation  this  moment  ?  It  is,  yes,  it  is  impor- 
tant. To  open  the  way  of  life  to  man,  heaven's  darling 
Son  left  the  glory  which  he  had  with  the  Father  ;  he 
suffered,  groaned,  bled,  and  died  for  sinners.  O  that 
their  hearts  would  melt — Avould  break  with  humble 
penitence,  and  by  faith  lay  hold  on  this  Savior  and 
be  saved." 

Within  the  month  following  we  find  many  inte- 
resting records  in  Mr.  Taylor's  journal,  of  his  commu- 
nion with  God,  and  his  labors  and  prayers  for  the  con- 
version of  sinners,  and  his  visits  and  efforts  to  com- 
fort the  afflicted,  to  prepare  the  dying  for  death,  and 
the  living  to  live  to  the  glory  of  God. 

"June  27. — The  morning  succeeding  found  me 
shorn  of  my  strength;  but  at  evening  devotion  I  sunk 
at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and,  Mary-likCj  bathed  them  with 
tears  of  humble  contrition.  My  soul  again  exulted  in 
God.  This  prepared  me  for  the  worship  of  the  sanc- 
tuary. 1  carried  the  King  of  Zion  enthroned  in  my 
heart  to  the  temple  where  he  held  his  court.  My  soul 
melted  there  again.  Heard  Mr.  Summerfield — the  se- 
cret of  whose  popularity,  I  think,  lies  much  in  his  holi- 
ness of  heart.  He  has  had  a  deep  experience  in  divine 
things,  and  doubtless  knows,  from  day  to  day,  what 
it  is  to  have  his  lips  touched  with  hallowed  fire. 

"  Sabbath,  July  11. — Have  found  this  to  be  of  a 
truth  the  Lord's  day,  for  the  Sabbath's  Lord  has  been 
near.  For  a  few  days  past  I  have  had  less  enjoyment 
than  usual.  The  cause  is  obvious  :  I  grieved  the  Holy 
Spirit  the  night  after  the  last  powerful  blessing,  which 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  225 

was  five  days  ago.  What  a  mercy  that  my  backsliding 
has  been  heaald  !  Bless  the  Lord  for  the  healing  balm — 
for  the  good  Physician. 

"  As  i  knelt  in  my  usual  place,  the  thought  arose, 
this  may  be  the  last  time  I  shall  ever  pray.  My  soul 
was  hungering  for  the  bread  of  life,  and  faith  seemed 
almost  ready  to  lay  hold  on  a  blessing.  My  heart  soon 
melted  into  penitence,  and  tears  ran  down  my  eyes. 
Kad  abasing  views  of  myself,  and  exalted  views  of 
God,  as  he  is  in  himself,  and  in  his  relation  to  fallen 
man  in  general,  and  to  his  children  particularly.  My 
Father  smiled,  my  soul  was  refreshed,  and  I  could 
once  more  rejoice.  O  the  liberty  of  the  children  of 
God !  Had  a  peculiar  and  before  unknoAvn  view  ot 
myself  as  a  candidate  for  the  holy  ministry.  Rather 
than  not  have  the  approbation  of  Jesus,  and  the  pre- 
sence of  Jesus — rather  than  not  be  taught  of  him,  let 
my  other  qualifications  be  what  they  may,  I  would 
cease  to  pursue  this  object.  Wherever  I  go,  let  him  go 
with  me  ;  for  through  Christ  strengthening  me,  I  can 
do  and  bear  all  things." 

To  Rev.  C.  H . 

"Nassau-Hall,  July  20,  1824. 

"  James,  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  his  beloved 
brother  Charles,  noAv  teaching  publicly,  and  from 
house  to  house,  testifying  to  every  man  repentance  to- 
wards God,  and  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  May 
great  grace,  mercy,  and  peace  from  '  God  our  Father, 
and  from  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  be  multiplied  unto 
you.  And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly  , 
and  I  pray  God  your  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and  body, 
be  preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord 


226  MEMOIR   OF 

Jesus  Christ.  Faithful  is  he  that  calleth  you,  who  also 
will  do  it.' 

"  My  dear  brother,  I  address  you  from  my  '  Be- 
thesda.'  I  say  Bethesda,  because  this  little  room  has 
so  often  been  a  house  of  mercy  to  me,  once  lame  and 
halt,  weary  and  heavy  laden. 

"  Hither,  shut  out  from  the  world,  have  I  resorted  : 
sought,  found,  and  delighted  in  the  Beloved.  I  might 
call  it  PisgaK's  top,  but  it  is  more,  because  of  the 
manifestations  of  the  Son  of  God  to  the  most  un- 
worthy. A  heavenly  land  has  opened  to  my  view. 
Through  faith^s  vision  earth  has  receded,  and  the 
soul  has  risen  and  entered  the  holy  city — communed 
with  saints  and  angels — sat  down  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
and  sung  hallelujahs  to  the  Lamb. 

"  My  brother,  I  would  not  intrude  upon  you,  but  the 
love  of  Christ  constraineth  me.  I  love  you  because 
you  love  the  Savior  and  his  cause.  I  love  you,  and 
therefore  write  ;  and  I  hope  that,  for  Christ's  saiie,  this 
epistle  may  come  to  you  with  a  blessing. 

"  I  might  tell  you  of  the  gracious  visitations  of  God's 
love  to  me,  from  time  to  time ;  how  happy  in  commu- 
nion with  my  Savior — how  resigned  to  his  will — of  the 
sweet  prospects  of  heaven  and  glory  that  have  opened 
to  my  soul.  But  you  would  hear  of  the  prosperity  of 
Zion  in  the  land  of  our  fathers. 

"  After  reaching  Middle  Haddam  last  April,  I  en- 
tered upon  what  I  thought  would  be  a  pleasant  route, 
to  visit  those  places  where  the  Holy  Spirit  had  recent- 
ly showered  down  a  gracious  rain.  But  the  Lord  hin- 
dered me.  I  stopped  at  Colchester,  where  my  time  v^  as 
to  myself— and  the  last  day  will  tell  whether  to  others 
or  not — spent  profitably.    You  can  imagine  in  what 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  227 

way  I  was  employed  in  the  midst  of  the  impenitent, 
the  awakened,  the  anxious,  young  converts,  and  en- 
gaged Christians.  But  how  is  it  with  your  people  ? 
Is  the  church  awake  ?  Are  your  elders  alive  to  the  best 
interests  of  Zion?  Are  professors  wrestling  in  secret 
for  the  ingathering  of  souls  ?  Is  there  a  general  mourn- 
ing, with  you,  over  the  desolations  of  the  church  ?  If 
not,  what  shall  the  end  of  these  things  be?  O,  how  it 
would  animate  your  heart  to  see  Christians  alert — to 
hear  sinners  cry  for  mercy — to  see  them  submitting  to 
God — owniog  the  Savior — and  uniting  themselves  to 
the  Lord's  people.  Be  encouraged,  for  who  can  tell 
but  a  multitude  of  sinners  may  soon  become,  under 
your  ministry,  obedient  to  the  faith.  As  it  is  your  duty 
to  labor  for  it,  so  it  is  your  duty  aad  privilege  to  look 
for  it — to  watch  for  it,  more  than  they  that  watch  for 
the  morning. 

"  I  have  become  entirely  contented  with  my  present 
course.  The  good  Shepherd  scatters  rich  food  as  I  tra- 
vel in  the  wilderness.  My  heart,  too,  is  still,  and  more 
than  ever  set  upon  the  work  of  the  ministry.  To  this 
one  object  I  would  have  every  acquisition  tend.  In 
the  accomplishment  of  this  one  thing  I  would  live ; 
v/hen  it  is  done  I  would  die;  for  heaven  is  the  home 
of  God's  children.  I  think  I  am  willing  to  do  the  will 
of  God.  When  he  commands  I  would  obey ;  when  he 
calls  I  would  run. 

"  Another  watchman  has  fallen  from  the  walls  of 
Zion,  to  rise,  we  trust,  to  the  city  of  our  God.  Mr 
Whelpley  is  dead.  When  shall  it  be  said  brother  H, 
is  dead— when  shall  it  be  said  of  me,  '  He  is  gone  V 
What  I  say  unto  you,  I  say  unto  ail,  walch  !    An  af' 


228  MEMOIR  or 

fectionate  remembrance  to  Mrs.  H.,  and  believe  rtie, 
yours  in  the  best  bonds, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

Mr.  Taylor,  who  labored  to  be  an  uncovimon  Chris* 
tian,  seems  to  have  excelled  in  a  prevailing  desire 
that  Christians,  in  all  their  relations,  should  do  their 
duty,  and  have  large  experience  of  the  work  of  grace 
in  their  own  souls.  To  a  friend,  in  prospect  of  her 
marriage,  he  WTote : 

"  It  is  probable  you  will  be  connected  with  Mr» 

• .  Does  he  grow  in  grace  ?  My  friend,  whatever 

else  you  leave  unlocked  after,  see  icell  to  this  ;  see  well 
to  tJiis  ;  as  you  value  Ids  usefulness,  as  you  Value  your 
own  and  his  happiness.  I  do  not  command  ;  I  exhort ; 
O  be  faithful — kindly  faithful.  If  he  be  a  man  of  God, 
he  will  ever  thank  you  ;  he  will  love  you  the  more  for 
such  faithfulness.  Talk  much  and  'pointedly  upon  ex- 
perimental godliness." 

To  one  from  whom  he  had  received  a  friendly  gift} 
he  wrote  : 

"  In  heaven,  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  you  will  re- 
joice for  helping  one  on  his  way  to  the  ministry.  Help 
by  your  prayers,  and  thus  speed  me  on  my  way." 

On  the  subject  of  fasting,  (a  duty  too  little  prac- 
ticed in  the  church,  and  sometimes  abused  to  their  in* 
jury,  by  persons  of  much  piety,  but  of  a  morbid  tem- 
perament,) Mr.  Taylor  made,  about  this  time,  the  foi»- 
lowing  note  in  his  journal  \ 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  229 

"  A  day  of  abstinence.  Heretofore  I  have  practiced 
fasting  on  a  particular  day,  for  more  than  two  years ; 
and  have  found  some  of  the  seasons  greatly  beneficial. 
But  fasting-,  connected  with  my  usual  studies,  has 
greatly  debilitated  my  body,  and  left  me  generally 
Avith  a  severe  headache,  which  has  led  me  to  the  con- 
clusion that,  under  existing  circumstances,  it  is  not 
my  duty  to  abstain  altogether.'''' 

This  conclusion,  which  was  certainly  wise,  shows, 
among  many  other  things,  that  Mr.  Taylor's  high  re- 
ligious feelings,  in  which  perhaps  he  surpassed  almost 
all  persons  of  his  day,  were  connected  Avith  a  sound 
mind  and  a  sober  consideration  of  duty.  No  man  was 
farther  removed  from  gloomy  austerity,  or  relied  less 
upon  either  his  feelings  or  duties.  The  evidence  of 
this  will  be  apparent  to  every  attentive  reader,  as  it 
will  be  found  in  the  fact,  that  in  his  highest  exercises 
of  devotion,  when  his  whole  soul  was  filled  with  the 
love  of  God,  and  his  countenance  made  luminous  with 
the  holy  fire  that  burnt  within,  he  at  the  same  time 
entertained  the  most  humbling  views  of  himself,  as  a 
sinner  saved  by  grace ;  and  was  ever  ready  to  say,  in 
the  language  of  Paul,  "by  the  grace  of  God,  I  am 
what  I  am,"- 

How  he  acknowledged  the  hand  of  God  in  all  his 
"ways — referred  all  events  to  divine  providence,  and  re- 
lied upon  the  grace  of  God,  may  be  seen  in  the  follow- 
ing extracts  from  his  journal : 

"  Aug.  7,  1824.— Met  with  a  disappomtment  in  not 

visiting  my  friends  at  L .   It  was  attended  with 

a  blessing,  and  I  concluded  it  would  still  be  followed 

20  i'  B.  Taylor 


230  MEMOIR   OP 

with  a  train  of  blessings.  The  disappointment  was 
unexpected,  and  from  a  source,  too,  that  was  calcula- 
ted to  excite  strong  feeling.    But  grace  abounded. 

"  Sth.— Abundant  reason  to  bless  God  for  my  deten- 
tion yesterday.  Last  evening  had  an  opening  for  doing 
good,  and  eternity  may  show  some  fruit.  Visited  seve- 
ral sick  persons,  and  at  every  place  endeavored  to 
speak  faithfully  and  boldly  for  God,  and  afterwards  at 
n  meeting. 

'•  9th. — This  night,  glory  to  our  God,  had  a  power- 
ful visitation  from  above — it  is  past  telling — and  it  was 
to  prepare  me  to  stand  up  for  God.  This  I  did,  and 
spoke  boldly ;  the  word  was  attended  w^ith  power,  and 
the  Spirit  o^ 'power  and  holiness  rested  on  me.  Sin- 
ners trembled — backsliders  too — and  the  engaged  child 
of  God  exulted.  Had  I  not  been  detained,  where  were 
all  that  has  come  upon  me  and  been  communicated 
through  me  since  the  7th.  Appointed  another  meet- 
ing at  the  request  of  the  people. 

"11th.— 'Who  will  take  the  first  honor  1'  'Did 
ne  do  well  ?'  &c.  In  this  season  of  examination  ran 
through  the  crowd ;  but  grace  so  gained  the  victory 
over  me  as  to  enable  me  to  look  down  upon  these 
meaner  things,  and  say,  these  are  not  my  God.  No  : 
the  honor  from  above  I  seek,  and  to  my  studies  let  me 
go,  as  to  a  duty  for  Christ's  sake,  and  for  the  honor 
of  the  Gospel. 

"  Felt  a  strong  attachment  to  the  word  of  God ;  and 
over  that  word,  as  the  legacy  of  my  Friend  on  high,  I 
cherished  my  attachment,  my  soul  sunk  low  at  the  feet 
of  Jesus,  and  I  drank  from  the  fountain. 

"  Went  out  and  visited  the  sick.  I  love  m.y  Master 
end  my  Masters  work.  I  love  to  comfort  his  people-— 


JAMES    BRAIN ERD    TAYLOR.  231 

I  love  to  talk  to  sinners.  Lord,  help.  Lord,  teach  thou 
me,  and  bless  me  more  and  more.  I  can  look  upon 
this  day's  blessings  as  arising  from  my  detention  last 
Saturday,  and  it  will  probably  prove,  in  time  to  come, 
a  link  in  the  chain  of  providence  not  to  be  told.  Let 
me  look  at  providence  in  small  as  well  as  great  things, 
and  wonder  and  adore. 

"  25th. — The  chain  is  gathering  links — little  did  1 
think  that  so  much  depended  upon  my  disappointment 
on  the  7th.  Last  Monday  evening  attended  the  ap- 
pointed meeting,  and  had  a  refreshing  time.  The  peo- 
ple of  God  testified  that  it  was  heaven  to  be  there. 
Did  not  feel  so  happy  myself,  but  had  liberty  to  speak 
a  word  in  season  to  the  people. 

"  How  exalted  the  privilege  to  help  forward  the  chil- 
dren of  God  heavenward — even  Ethiopia's  degraded 
children.  O  that  they  may  be  seen  all  of  them  stretch- 
ing forth  the  hand  unto  God. 

"  Find  employment  in  visiting  the  sick  poor.  Called 
to  see  a  colored  M^oman.  She  is  happy  in  God,  in  the 
prospect  of  death.  Had  an  opportunity  to  converse 
with  a  beggar;  prayed  with  him,  and  presented  him 
with  a  testament  and  the  last  sixpence  I  had  in  my 
pocket.  The  thought  arose,  give  this  away,  and  what 
will  you  do  to-morrow  ?    But  stay  : 

'  My  wants  to-day  are  all  supplied, 
To-morrow,  it  may  be  said,  he  died.' 

"O  for  more  confidence  in  God— God  is  able  to 
make  all  grace  abound  towards  you;  '  that  you,  always 
having  all  sufficiency  in  all  things,  may  abound  to 
every  good  work."  2  Cor.  9  :  8. 

"  27th.— A  door  opened  for  me  to  exert  myself  for  a 


232  MEMOIR   OF 

poor  child  of  God — put  in  tv/o  cents,  the  very  last  mite 
I  supposed  I  had — the  word  of  God  came,  '  Give,  and 
it  shall  be  given  unto  you ' — went  out  and  begged  more, 
and  with  this  and  a  needed  garment  went  as  the  al- 
moner of  heaven,  and  delivered  up  the  contribution. 
'  Naked,  and  ye  clothed  me.' 

"  28th. — Providence  seems  to  open  the  door  still 
wider  for  my  prospective  usefulness  among  the  poor ; 
and  the  question  arose,  shall  I  live  in  Princeton  Jive 
years,  and  Princeton  be  none  the  better  for  me? 

"  A  new  plan  opened  to  my  mind,  upon  the  prose- 
cution of  Avhich  I  entered  to-night.  Open,  Lord,  my 
eyes — I  am  tired  of  waiting  for  others  ;  there  are  la- 
borers enough  all  around,  but  they  don't  come  into  the 
vineyard  to  work.  Let  me  be  up  and  doing  constantly, 
faithfully,  firmly. 

"  Opened  a  small  trunk,  and  unexpectedly  found 
ninepence.  Is  not  this  Gospel  measure  ?  If  a  mer- 
chant had  $2000  at  evening,  and  gave  it  away,  and 
the  next  day  should  find  him  in  possession  of  -$9000^ 
would  he  not  consider  it  an  increase  running  over? 
Mine  is  as  much  in  proportion,  and  how  often  is  abun- 
dance poured  into  my  hand  !" 

To  his  christian  sister  Miss  W.  of  New-York,  in 
communion  with  whom  he  took  much  delight,  he  wrote 
on  the  25th  as  follows  : 

"  O  Miss  W.  what  a  truth  !  '  God  is  love  ;'  and  I 
feel  the  indescribable  weight  of  this  truth  restmg  upon 
my  soul.  To  the  world  and  to  the  formalist,  I  know, 
indeed,  that  these  are  unmeaning  words ;  but  my 
friend  can  rejoice  that  God  has  imparted  the  know- 


JAMES  BRAINEUD  TAYLOR.  233 

ledge  of  this  hidden  mystery  to  me,  and  is  building 
me  up  in  faith  and  holiness.  Holiness!  O  what 
charms  in  the  very  word  !  God  is  holy — angels  are 
holy — saints  in  glory  are  holy — and  '  without  holiness 
no  one  shall  see  the  Lord.'  O  to  be  more  like  our 
blessed  Jesus — more  like  God  ! 

'•  I  still  address  you  from  my  Bethesda — a  house  qj 
mercy  to  the  most  unworthy.  My  study  is  about  five 
feet  square  ;  and  yet  I  can  sing, 

'  This  little  room,  for  me  design'd, 
Suits  as  well  my  easy  mind 
As  palaces  of  kings.' 


It  is  either  to  labor  for  him  on  earth,  or  to  take  me  to 
himself.  To  labor  for  him  now  is  sweet,  increasingly 
sweet;  and  O,  he  is  with  me  !  At  home  and  abroad 
Jesus  stands  by  me — the  Spirit  comforts  me — my  Fa- 
ther smiles — so, 

'  Tell  me  no  more  of  earthly  toys, 

Of  sinful  mirth  and  carnal  joys, 

The  things  I  loved  before.' 

"  Let  the  world  have  these.  Let  the  professor  of 
religion  who  indulges  in  them,  wish  me  to  join  him  : 
but  God  forbid  !  for,  w^ere  I  to  indulge,  even  in  what 
by  some  are  called  innocent  pleasures,  my  spiritual 
joys  would  be  gone.  And  for  this  I  am  spoken  of,  and 
that  too  by  professors  of  the  religion  of  Jesus.  But 
what  is  it  to  be  judged  of  man's  judgment?  My  wit- 
ness and  record  are  on  high.  By  censuring  for  this,  they 
censure  me  for  doing  the  work  of  the  Lord.  The  spare 
20* 


234  MEMOIR    OF 

time  I  have  from  my  college  duties,  I  would  rather 
spend  Avith  the  sick — the  indigent ;  and  that  too,  to 
win  souls.  And  my  prospect  for  doing  good  is  much 
greater  in  huts  and  smoky  cabins,  than  in  the  draw- 
mg-rooms  of  rich  and  thoughtless  worldlings.  They 
are  joined  to  their  idols.  O,  pray  that  I  may  firmly 
and  devotedly  do  the  work  of  the  Lord,  caring  neither 
for  their  contempt  nor  their  applause ;  alike  indiffe- 
rent to  popularity  and  persecution.  And  may  our  ef- 
forts be  to  turn  men  from  sin  to  holiness. 

"  Glory  to  our  heavenly  Father,  for  his  rich  grace 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  '  By  grace  are  ye 
saved,  through  faitli.'  This  is  the  way,  the  only  way, 
of  salvation.  And  it  is  a  sweet  way — the  way  of  holi- 
ness— the  way  to  heaven." 

To  a  female  relative,  for  Avhom,  as  for  all  his  rela- 
tions, Mr.  Taylor's  heart  seemed  ever  to  overflow  with 
affection,  he  wrote  an  interesting  letter,  Avell  calcula- 
ted to  instruct  and  reprove  those  professors  of  religion 
who,  like  the  creaking  door  upon  its  hinges,  ever  com- 
plain, and  yet  make  no  progress. 

"  J^assati^Hall,  Aug.  28,  1824. 
••Dear  R , 

"  My  soul  blesses  our  heavenly  Parent  for  the  affec- 
tion I  bear  to  you,  both  natural  and  christian.  Instead 
of  diminishing,  it  gathers  strength  ;  and  I  trust  it  is  to 
be  perfected  in  a  fairer  clime. 

"  Having  the  same  round  of  duties  from  day  to  day, 
you  will  readily  conclude  that  I  can  have  little  news 
to  communicate ;  but  there  is  a  theme  to  which  our 
hearts  have  been  attuned.    We  love  the  Savior — we 


JAMES    RKAINERD    TAYLOR.  235 

love  his  cause  !  but  whence  is  it  that  we  have  been 
turned  to  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  our  souls  ?  We 
love  God  because  he  first  loved  us.  Here  is  the  solu- 
tion of  what  would  otherwise  be  an  unfathomable 
depth,  and  for  ever  remain  a  mystery. 

"  Having  been  extricated  from  the  miry  clay,  and 
our  feet  set  upon  a  rock,  what  manner  of  persons 
ought  we  to  be  in  all  holy  conversation !  Surely  as 
he  who  hath  called  us  is  holy,  so  ought  we  to  be 
holy. 

"  What  are  the  signs  of  the  times  ?  Is  much  said 
about  religion,  for  and  against  it?  Where  is  the  host 
that/eeZ,  that  talk,  that  live  religion?  Alas,  the  con- 
stant harping  of  professors  of  religion  upon  their  for- 
mality, coldness,  stupidity,  want  of  life  !  W'hy,  in  the 
name  of  my  Master,  are  they  not  before  God,  on  their 
knees,  in  their  closets,  mourning  over  their  declen- 
sion ?  They  need  not  tell  the  world  of  their  indiffe- 
rence. It  is  already  too  evident.  And  the  world  sees 
it  with  astonishment.  The  world  knows  it  to  their  (I 
was  going  to  say)  damnation  !  It  is  true  :  for  sinners 
plead  as  their  excuse,  the  ungodliness  of  professors. 

"  May  it  be  ours  to  walk  worthy  of  our  vocation. 
We  owe,  indeed,  ten  thousand  talents  to  the  Lord  ; 
and  I  feel  that  I  have  nothing  to  pay.  And  after  all  I 
shall  have  done  and  can  do,  I  am  an  unprofitable 
servant ;  and  can  only  say, 

'  1  the  chief  of  sinners  am, 
But  Jesus  died  for  me.' 

"  Surrounded  as  you  are  by  multiplied  cares,  I  pre- 
sume you  steal  away  now  and  then  from  all,  to  hold 
converse  with  God  in  secret.    If  any  where,  it  is  with 


236  MEMOIR    OF 

God  in  secret,  the  soul  must  prosper;  and  there,  if 
denied  all  things  else,  the  child  of  God  finds  a  Father, 
a  Savior,  a  Comforter,  a  Friend,  a  Brother.  May  you 
find  your  retirements  places  and  seasons  of  washing 
and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

"  How  are  all  at ?     I  have  taken  an  interest  in 

that  people ;  not  because  they  are  Episcopalians  ;  no 
more  than  I  would  in  Presbyterians,  because  they  are 
such,  but  because  some  of  them  appeared  to  have  the 
spirit  of  Christ.  And  I  think  I  have  been  brought  to 
this,  to  seek  to  have  Christians  more  holy ;  and  sin- 
ners, yet  unconverted,  brought  to  Christ.  Away  with 
the  prejudice  of  names  !  away,  for  ever  !  The  child  of 
God  is  my  brother,  my  sister.  The  sinner,  my  fellow- 
sinner.  The  former  let  me  love  and  serve,  as  of  the 
household  of  faith :  the  latter,  let  me  labor  to  bring, 
where  we  would  he,  at  the  feet  of  Jesus.  And  here  at 
his  feet  we  must  lie,  if  on  his  throne  we  would  sit 
down. 

"  I  might  tell  you  that  I  have  some  pleasant  retreats 
mto  the  huts  and  smoky  cabins  of  the  poor  of  this  re- 
gion. And  there  too,  in  some  instances,  piety  in  its 
most  radiant  form  is  seen  to  shine  forth.  I  should  like 
to  have  you  at  some  of  my  little  meetings.  The  chil- 
dren of  the  highest  seem  happy,  and  I  am  happy  in 
doing  them  good.  Thus  let  me  live  ;  thus  let  us  live, 
thus  let  us  die. 

"  You  have  witnessed  much  of  the  bustle  about  La- 
fayette, He  is  a  great  man — worthy  of  esteem  !  But 
in  reading  the  account  of  his  landing  and  reception 
m  your  city,  I  thought  of  our  Jesus,  the  Son  of  God, 
and  inquired,  if  He  should  appear,  who  would  go  our 
to  meet  him  and  help  him  ?    Who  helped  him  through 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  237 

the  land  of  Juflea?    But  his  triumph  was  great.    Let 
us  strive  to  be  good?'' 

To  a  beloved  christian  brother,  who  had  recently- 
visited  a  place  where  God  was  blessing  the  church 
with  a  glorious  revival  of  religion,  Mr.  Taylor  wrote 
a  letter  abounding  with  pointed  interrogatories,  such 
as  every  Christian  should  attentively  consider,  and 
especially  when  the  tone  of  piety  is  low,  and  a  state 
of  backsliding  appears  in  the  church. 

"  Sept.  1. — Having  been  in  the  midst  of  so  powerful 
a  work  of  God's  Spirit,  you  have  doubtless  returned 
with  an  increased  solicitude  for  the  Zion  with  which 
you  are  so  happily  connected.  Do  you  not  find  that 
it  is  the  delight  of  your  pastor  to  preach  the  word 
with  all  plainness  ?  How  are  you  blessed  in  having 
an  overseer  so  desirous  of  the  "welfare  of  souls  !  And 
be  assured,  you  cannot  pray  for  him  too  much.  The 
apostle  said,  '  Brethren,  pray  for  us.'  Could  you  fol- 
low your  pastor,  you  would  see  that  in  all  his  labors 
his  heart  cries  out,  '  Brethren,  pray  for  me.' 

"  Inquiring  concerning  the  pastor  naturally  leads 
to  inquire  after  the  flock.  How  is  it,  then,  with  the 
sheep  ?  How  is  it  with  you,  my  brother  ?  Instead  of 
engagedness,  you  may  have  become  cold.  Have  you 
eloped  from  those  green  pastures  in  which  you  were 
wont  to  feed  ?  Have  you  left  those  refreshing  streams 
of  which  it  was  your  delight  to  drink  ?  Ah  !  what 
comparison  do  the  gaudy  weeds  of  the  world  bear  to 
the  sweet  pasture  which  the  good  Shepherd  has  pro- 
vided ?  And  who  would  choose  the  turbulent  streams 
of  sense,  in  preference  to  '  the  still  waters '  of  his 


238  MEMOIR   OF 

love  7  But  I  hope  better  things  of  you :  that  you  still 
walk  with  God,  and  follow  the  Lamb  whithersoever 
he  goeth. 

"  Many  sheep  compose  the  flock  with  which  you 
feed.  Are  they  all  in  health?  and  do  their  souls  pros- 
per? Do  they  feed  contentedly  and  live  healthfully? 
Jn.  a  large  flock,  hoAV  often  are  some  sick  ;  how  many 
Vx'ander  and  go  astray  !  What  dissatisfaction  with 
themselves  and  all  around  them,  arising  from  unfaith- 
fulness on  their  part  to  God,  to  their  own  souls,  and 
the  souls  of  their  brethren  ? 

"  Were  I  with  you  at  one  of  your  little  meetings, 
raethinks  I  would  ask  my  brethren,  and  say  to  each, 
Is  it  well  with  thee  ?  Is  it  well  with  thee  ?  As  my 
soul  rejoices  in  the  prosperity  of  Zion,  how  would  my 
praise  awake  at  an  answer  in  the  affirmative  !  How 
would  I  send  forth  my  voice  in  ^vords  of  exhortation 
to  the  brothers  or  sisters  in  a  luke-warm  state  !  And 
I  would  ask,  what  profit  is  there  in  robbing  God? 
What  advantage  in  loving  the  world  ?  What  peace 
in  dishonoring  the  Prince  of  peace,  by  indulging  in 
sin?  For  it  is  sin,  soul-blinding  sin — sin,  soul-ha- 
rassing sin,  beloved  sin,  soul-damning  sin,  that  has 
veiled  the  Sun  of  righteousness  ;  that  has  sent  fearful 
forebodings  of  wrath  into  the  soul,  and  stamped  con- 
demnation  where  once  was  light — where  once  was 
peace,  reconciliation,  and  heaven.  Were  my  soul  in 
such  a  condition,  would  you  not  say  to  me,  '  Return, 
thou  backslider,  rove  no  longer  ;  seek  the  Lord  with 
thy  whole  beart?'  And  I  would  say  further.  Look, 
precious  soul,  if  thou  hast  ever  had  grace  in  thy  heart, 
how  art  thou  fallen  !  Do  you  not  fear  a  final  removal 
of  the  candlestick  from  its  place  ?     O  dishonor  God, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  239 

your  heavenly  Father,  no  longer ;  wound  your  Savior 
no  more  ;  grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit ;  come  and  con- 
fess ;  bow  Avith  penitence  ;  mourn  Avith  bitterness  ; 
plead  with  faith  ;  procure  pardon,  peace,  and  holiness  ; 
be  determined  to  have  no  more  to  do  with  sinful  con- 
formity to  the  Avorld,  cost  what  it  may  ;  make  no  com- 
promise Avith  self;  have  no  league  with  Satan  ;  in  a 
Avord,  deny  thyself,  take  up  thy  cross,  and  follow 
Christ;  then  you  Avill  shoAV  to  the  world  that  Christ 
Jesus,  as  you  profess,  is  all ;  sinners  will  take  Avarn- 
ing  at  your  example  and  precept ;  saints  Avill  com- 
mune Avith  you  ;  God  will  bless,  and  heaven  finally 
receive  your  happy  soul.  Are  convictions  multiplied 
among  you?     Do  sinners  in  Zion  tremble  ? 

"  I  have  much  reason  to  praise  our  heavenly  Father 
that  he  hath  kept  me  hitherto.  He  hath  indeed  made 
my  little  room  a  Beihesda  to  my  soul.  Grace,  mercy, 
and  peace  have  been  multiplied  unto  me  ;  and  I  now 
bless  the  Lord  and  take  courage  for  time  to  come. 
Having  been  blessed  of  God,  it  is  our  privilege — it  is 
our  duty — to  look  for  greater  blessings.  From  day  to 
day  may  Ave  be  baptized  Avith  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with 
fire.  The  Lord  send  down  his  holy  unction,  and  make 
us,  more  than  ever,  fit  temples  for  himself  to  dwell  in. 
Then  Ave  shall  rejoice  evermore,  pray  without  ceas- 
ing, and  in  every  thing  give  thanks. 

"  My  affectionate  salutations  to  the  brethren.  Fare- 
well. 

"  James  B.  Taylor." 


240  MEMOIR  OP 

CH AFTER    V. 

Second   Year  in  College. 

Mr.  Taylor's  fond  affection  for  his  parents  and 
friends  cannot  for  a  moment  be  called  in  question ; 
and  yet,  though  he  had  not  enjoyed  their  society  for 
five  or  six  months,  and  was  on  his  way  to  spend  the 
college  vacation  at  home,  when  he  arrived  in  New- 
York,   "  and  found,"  to  use  his  own  words,  "  things 

interesting  under  the  labors  of  brother  L ,  in  the 

Rev.  Mr.  Patton's  church,  the  pastor  being  absent  and 
laborers   needed,  I,  upon  solicitation,  joined  brother 

L for  a  season.    At  the  resurrection  of  the  just  it 

will  be  known  how  many  have  been  gathered  in.  On 
one  evening  thirteen  expressed  hope.  The  Lord  bless 
the  lambs  of  the  flock." 

At  the  commencement  of  the  college  session  we 
find  the  following  entry  in  his  journal : 

"  Last  night  the  Lord  gave  me— I  cannot  express 
it — such  an  exercise  as  I  never  had  before  :  a  view  of 
the  demerit  of  sin  that  sunk  me  lower  than  the  lov/est. 
And  yet  my  soul  exulted  in  God. 

"  Thus  have  I  begun.  May  I  find  my  winter  loca 
tion  better  than  ever  before— my  health  and  my  all  are 
at  God's  disposal. 

'•  Nov.  14.— Upon  a  review  of  the  past  week,  I  find 
it  fraught  with  loving  kindness  from  the  Lord.  '  Last 
evening  bad  a  delightful  season  in  remembering  the 
lambs  of  the  flock  in  Mr.  P.'s  church,  with  whom  I 


JaMLS    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  241 

used  to  meet  on  Saturday  evenings.     I  love  them  for 
the  love  ihey  bear  to  Jesus,  the  Lamb  of  God. 

•'  At  evening  devotion  had  a  singular  exercise. 
While  singing,  my  soul  thirsted  for  a  blessing.  The 
thought  suddenly  entered  my  mind :  '  If  you  neglect 
your  tea  you  may  obtain  the  blessing  which  you  seek.' 
I  inquired  whence  is  this?  Is  it  from  God,  or  from  the 
devil  ?  But  I  concluded  that  the  Lord's  blessing  came 
not  by  a  purchase  of  mine,  and  therefore  that  he  could 
as  well  bless  me  then  as  afterwards  ;  and  I  determined 
to  throw  myself  at  his  feet  and  seek  his  favor,  and  thus 
defeat  the  adversary  who  was  ready  to  cheat  me  out 
of  the  blessing.  My  Father  smiled  upon  me — the 
work  of  grace  was  deepened — and  my  soul  fed  on  man- 
na from  above." 

To  pious  students  Mr.  Taylor  has  left  an  illustrious 
example  which  should  for  ever  banish  the  idea  that 
the  sad  decline  in  the  life  and  fervor  of  piety  so  often 
manifested  in  their  college  course,  is  necessary,  or  that 
it  is  impossible  in  such  circumstances  to  live  a  devo- 
ted life,  and  make  progress  in  religion.  To  a  pious 
family,  to  whom  he  frequently  poured  out  all  his  heartj 
after  giving  a  delightful  narrative  of  what  the  Lord 
v/as  doing  for  his  soul  from  day  to  day,  he  wrote  : 

"  Do  not  you  rejoice  that  God  has  kept  me  hither- 
to ?  With  your  rejoicing  connect  a  doubling  of  your 
prayers  that  I  may  so  live  as  to  testify  that  the  w^orld 
is  mistaken  in  the  opinion,  that  God  cannot  be  enjoyed 
in  a  course  of  study.  If  I  do  not  grow  in  grace  noW; 
when  shall  I  ?" 

21  J.  B.  Taylar- 


S42  MEMOIR  OP 

It  is  both  delightful  and  instructive  to  oDserve  that, 
while  he  was  striving  continually  to  grow  in  grace 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ,  and  so  to  let  his  light 
shine,  that  others,  seeing  his  good  works,  might  glorify 
his  heavenly  Father,  he  seemed  almost  as  much  en- 
gaged that  others  should  walk  worthy  of  God  unto  all 
pleasing.    To  a  beloved  friend  he  wrote,  Nov.  30, 1824, 

"  Has  your  soul  been  in  health  and  prospered  ?  I 
could  wish  to  be  near  you  and  hear  the  reply. 

"  Did  you  ever  question  whether  I  have  been  truly 
converted?  Perhaps  you  may  have  seen  many  things 
in  me  which  might  lead  to  such  a  conclusion ;  but  if 
not  to  this,  to  another,  viz.  that  I  could  not  love  God 
much,  or  that  I  showed  to  the  world  an  ungodly  walk 
and  conversation.  Well,  I  am  ready  to  acknowledge 
my  errors;  will  you  point  them  out  to  me?  I  will 
take  it  as  the  highest  mark  of  your  affection  for  me 
and  love  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  if  you  will  tell  me 
plainly  all  that  you  may  have  seen  amiss  in  me.  And 
would  you  not  wish  your  friends  to  do  the  same  to 
you?  But  rather  than  offend  you,  I  would  get  down 
at  your  feet  and  say  what  I  purpose  to  write. 
.  "  iVIy  dear  friend,  for  whom  I  have  prayed,  and 
groaned,  and  wept ;  as  before  God  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  I  must  warn  you.  Do  you  say  of  what? 
Pause  and  think.  Do  you  find  nothing  out  of  the  way  ? 
What  meanelh  that  lightness  in  your  walk  and  con- 
versation ?  Does  it  fit  you  for  prayer  in  secret?  Does 
It  adorn  the  Christian?  Does  it  tell'  the  world  that 
you  love  religion — that  your  thoughts  are  much  on 
God  and  heaven?  Does  it  show  that  the  soul  is  walk- 
ing with  God — that  you  maintain  close  and  intimate 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  243 

communion  with  God?  This  may  he  the  last  time  I 
may  be  permitted  to  write  to  you.  My  hand  may  be 
in  the  grave :  and  I  may  now  be  too  late — my  friend 
may  have  died.  If  alive,  bear  with  my  faithfulness ; 
for  it  is  in  love,  as  I  expect  to  meet  you  at  the  bar  of 
Jesus  Christ.  What  meaneth  these  things  ?  O,  I  urge 
you,  I  pray  you — in  Christ's  stead,  I  beseech  you  tO' 
judge.  But  what  saith  the  Scriptures?  '  Let  every 
one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  ini- 
quity.' Is  it  not  iniquity  to  disobey  God  ?  And  it  is 
by  keeping  his  commandments  we  know  that  we  are 
born  of  God  and  love  him.  The  Savior  says,  '  If  ye 
love  me  keep  my  commandments.'  '  As  he  that  hath 
called  you  is  holy,  so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  con- 
versation.  See  then  that  ye  v;alk  circumspectly,  not 
as  fools,  but  as  wise.  Wo  unto  you  that  laugh  now, 
for  ye  shall  weep.  Let  your  laughter  be  turned  into 
mourning.  Let  not  jesting  nor  foolish  talkingheonce 
named  among  you.  Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and 
anger,  and  clamor,  and  evil  speaking,  be  put  aw^ay 
from  you  with  all  malice.^  Thus,  my  dear  friend,  you 
see  the  will  of  the  Lord  concerning  us.  May  I,  and 
may  you  be  freed  from  every  unhallowed  thought, 
word,  and  action,  and  put  on,  as  the  elect  of  God, 
bowels  of  mercies,  kindness,  humbleness  of  mind, 
meekness,  long-suffering ,  but,  above  all  things,  put 
on  charity — that  the  peace  of  God  may  rule  in  our 
hearts. 

"  My  friend,  if  you  are  not  satisfied  with  your  hope, 
rest  not  till  God  shall  speak  your  sins  forgiven,  and 
you  shall  know  that  you  are  the  Lord's.  Come,  let  us 
set  out  afresh,  examine  ourselves,  and  rectify  all  that 
is  wrong.    To  do  this,  we  must  find  out  the  wrong, 


244  MEMOIR   OF 

bring  it  before  God,  confess  it,  mourn  over  it,  plead 
for  Christ's  sake,  for  pardon,  and  wait  for  salvation. 
Do  you  pray  for  me ;  I  will  pray  for  you  ;  and  let  us 
strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate." 

The  reader  has  observed  how  pleasantly  and  in- 
structively the  genuineness  of  Mr.  Taylor's  christian 
character,  and  the  elevation  and  enlargement  ol  his 
christian  love  have  been  exhibited  in  the  fact,  that  his 
soul  paused  not  at  all  at  those  barriers  which  sectari- 
anism has  raised  between  the  different  denominations 
of  Christ's  disciples.  Christ  was  the  object  of  his  af- 
fections ;  and  wherever  he  saw  the  spirit  and  image 
of  his  blessed  Master,  thither  his  heart  flowed  out.  In 
the  saints,  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  was  his  delight ; 
accordingly,  w^e  find  much  of  his  correspondence,  in 
which  glowed  the  purest  flame  of  Christian  love,  was 
with  those  who  bore  names  different  from  his  own. 
The  following  letter  is  of  this  description,  and  shows 
at  the  same  time  the  regard  he  had  to  the  word  of 
God,  as  his  infallible  guide  and  instructor  : 

''Nassau  Hall,  Dec.  5,  1824. 
•'  Brethren  beloved, 

"  Does  not  the  same  affection  actuate  us  toward  one 
another,  that  filled  the  soul  of  the  apostle  towards  his 
brethren  at  Rome,  when  he  said,  '  I  would  have  you 
wise  towards  that  which  is  good,  and  simple  concern- 
ing evil?'  How  like  this  is  our  Su-  ior's  precept,  'Be 
wise  as  serpents,  and  harmless  as  doves.' 

"  While  reading  the  other  day  the  former  passasre 
in  connection  with  the  context,  I  thought  of  my  breth- 
ren.   'Now  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  mark  them  which 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  245 

cause  divisions  and  offences,  contrary  to  the  doctrine 
which  ye  have  learned,  and  avoid  them.  For  they  that 
are  such  serve  not  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  but  their  own 
belly ;  and  by  good  words  and  fair  speeches  deceive 
the  hearts  of  the  simple.  For  your  obedience  is  come 
abroad  unto  all  men.  I  am  glad,  therefore,  on  your  be- 
half j  but  yet  I  would  have  you  wise  unto  that  which 
is  good,  and  simple  concerning  evil.  And  the  God  of 
peace  shall  bruise  Satan  under  your  feet  shortly.' 
With  the  apostle  I  add  the  prayer,  '  The  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you.    Amen.' 

"But  whence  this  wisdom?  What  saith  the  word  ? 
'  The  holy  Scriptures  are  able  to  make  you  wise  unto 
salvation,  through  faith  which  is  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.'  Again,  '  The  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure, 
making  wise  the  simple.  How  shall  it  be  attained  ? 
'  The  letter  killeth,  but  the  Spirit  maketh  alive.'  How 
many  read,  and  still  are  blind  !  '  But  if  any  man' — any 
Presbyterian  man,  or  any  Church  man,  or  any  Metho- 
dist man,  or  Baptist  man,  or  any  other  man,  '  lack  wis- 
dom, let  him  ask  of  God,  who  giveth  to  all  men  liberal- 
ly, and  upbraideth  not,  and  it  shall  be  given  him.' 
Here  then  is  the  source,  the  word  of  God,  accompanied 
by  the  Spirit  of  God  illuminating  the  mind  and  work- 
ing powerfully  in  the  soul.  And  the  effect  will  be, 
wisdom  that  is  profitable  to  direct,  and  the  harmless- 
ness  of  the  dove. 

"Let  us  appeal  to  the  experience  of  those  who  can 
testify.  But  for  the  truth,  the  word  of  God,  what  know- 
ledge of  salvation  could  we  have  ?  But  for  the  medium 
of  access  to  God,  the  way  of  the  sinner's  return  plainly 
marked  out,  who  before  us,  or  with  us,  but  would,  like  the 
benighted  in  heathen  lands,  feel  after  God  in  vain  ?  But 
21* 


246  MEMOIR   OP 

for  the  command, '  Repent,'  who  would  ever  thmis.  of  it  ? 

And  unless  convinced  of  sin,  of  righteousness,  and  of 
judgment,  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  who  Avouldbe  broken- 
hearted? But  for  the  Lamb  of  God,  held  out  tor  the 
taking  away  of  sin,  who  would  ever  believe  to  the  jus- 
tifying and  sanctifying  of  their  souls  ?  Here  we  see 
something  of  the  value  of  the  word  and  Spirit  of  God, 
so  much  slighted  by  the  world.  'Whoso  is  wise,  and 
will  observe  these  things,  even  they  shall  understand 
the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord.' 

"In  the  sense  of  the  Scripture,  then,  it  seems  that 
that  person  is  void  of  understanding,  who  knov/s  not  its 
commands  and  the  blessing  consequent  upon  obedi- 
ence, which  blessing  is  the  loving-kindness  of  the 
Lord. 

"  Do  loe  read,  '  Repent — believe.  Marvel  not  that 
I  said  unto  thee,  ye  must  be  born  again.  Walk  be- 
fore me,  and  be  ye  perfect.  Deny  ungodliness  and 
worldly  lusts-;  and  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  god- 
ly in  this  present  world.  Love  the  Lord  thy  God  with 
all  thy  heart.'  If  we  may  expunge  one  of  these,  may 
we  not  expunge  them  all?  But  by  so  doing  we  take 
our  names  from  the  book  of  life.  How  much  better 
to  yield  obedience.  How  much  better !  O  how 
sweet !  The  soul  that  has  been  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
wishes  to  be  often  there;  for  he  knows  the  peace  of 
God  that  passeth  knowledge.  He  that  hath  this  ex- 
perience, hath  what  chaseth  away  all  his  fears,  save 
the  holy  filial  fear  of  offending  a  holy,  loving,  indwell- 
ing Father — the  loyal  fear  that  wishes  to  be  submis- 
sive at  the  feet  of  King  Jesus,  who  rules  on  the 
throne  of  his  kingdom,  set  up  in  the  soul — the  sacred 
fear  that  trembles  at  the  thought  of  disturbing  the  hal- 


JAMES    EKAINERD    TAYLOR.  247 

lowed  breathings  of  that  Spirit,  whose  temple  is  the 
body  of  the  saint.  How  harmless  such  guests  would 
make  the  soul !  This  fear  is  the  fruit  of  love— and 
love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law.  Well,  this  is  all  we 
want,  that  is,  in  kind.  We  want,  and  shall  for  ever 
want ;  and  we  may  for  ever  have  more,  in  measure, 
of  God's  love.  O  may  we  sink — sink,  and  sink,  and 
sink  into  this  ocean ;  for  this  (a  paradox  to  the  world,) 
is  the  way  to  rise ;  and  it  will  carry  us  higher  than 
the  stars,  to  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  undefiled, 
and  that  fadeth  not  away,  reserved  in  heaven  for  you 
who  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God,  through  faith,  unto 
a  full  and  eternal  salvation.  We  will  talk  of  the  rest 
when  we  shall  walk  the  golden  streets.  Ah  !  shall  we 
see  each  other  there  ?  If  you  do  not  get  so  high  above 
me  that  I  cannot  reach  you.  By  the  grace  of  God  I 
hope  to  shine  forth  even  there — a  sinner  saved  by  grace. 

"A  christian  salutation  to  sister  W.  and  the  breth- 
ren R.  and  R.,  whom  with  yourselves  I  beseech,  for 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  and  for  the  love  of  the 
Spirit,  that  ye  strive  together  with  me,  in  your  prayers 
to  God  for  me. 

"  Farewell.  In  the  best  bonds,  your  brother,  in  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

"Jaimes  B.  Taylor." 

The  following  was  addressed  to  a  colored  woman, 
since  gone  to  her  rest,  at  the  advanced  age  of  116 
years— whom  Mr.  Taylor  seems  to  have  regarded  as 
one  of  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  in  whom  he  de- 
lighted. 


248  MEMOIR   OP 

"  Princeton,  Dec.  24,  1824, 
*' Aunt  Sarah,  perhaps,  is  expecting  to  hear  from  her 
friend  Mr.  Taylor.  Could  I  be  with  you  for  an  hour, 
we  would  converse  upon  things  that  pertain  to  the 
Kingdom  ;  but  you  have  a  Friend  on  high,  who  deigns 
to  visit  your  little  room — nay,  who  takes  up  his  abode 
m  your  heart — He  has  brought  his  Father  with  him , 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom  he  promised  to  send,  over- 
shadows and  fills  you.  By  and  by,  you  will  exchange 
your  cottage  for  a  palace;  you  will  lay  aside  your  gar- 
ments below,  '  to  walk  in  white  above.'  Instead  of 
prayer,  you  will  be  all  praise.  Instead  of  seeing  Jesus 
by  faith,  you  will  see  him  as  he  is,  face  to  face.  Do 
you  not  exult  in  the  prospect  of  dying — dying  in  the 
arms  of  Jesus,  and  of  going  to  your  Father,  God  ? 
There,  too,  you  will  meet  those  who  died  in  faith,  and 
some  with  whom  you  have  sung,  and  prayed,  and  wept 
below.  And  this  is  the  sweetness  of  it — the  place,  the 
scene,  will  never  close.  Those  that  entpr  in  shall  go 
no  more  out. 

"  You  will  be  glad  to  hear  that  the  Lord  blesses  me 
with  his  presence — my  soul  is  in  health  and  prospers — 
still  help  me  in  your  prayers  for  me,  that  I  may  indeed 
be  a  man  of  God — one  i?i  whom  God  will  delight  to 
dwell — and  one  whom  God  will  deign  to  honor  in 
bringing  sinners  to  Christ. 

"  Should  the  Lord  continue  you,  I  trust  you  will 
have  a  happy  new  year;  but  if  he  should  take  you 
hence,  it  will  be  thrice  happy.     Farewell, 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 

Of  the  same  date,  but  a  little  in  anticipation  of  the 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAVLOH.  249 

time,  we  fiad  Mr.  Taylor's  new-year's  letter  to  his  pa- 
rents, brothers,  and  sisters. 

''Nassau  Hall,  Dec.  24,  1824.  ' 

"  Endeared  Parents,  Brothers,  and  Sisters, 

"  The  time  has  arrived  for  my  annual  gift ;  and,  in 
anticipation,  I  wish  you  a  happy  new-year.  Should  it 
not  be  realized  on  earth,  who  of  us  doubts  but  it  would 
be  enjoyed  at  the  right  hand  of  God  ? 

'  There  everlasting  spring  abides. 
And  never  withering  flowers  : 
Death,  like  a  narrow  sea,  divides 
This  heavenly  land  from  ours.' 

"  To  say  that  this  may  be  the  last  epistle  of  this 
kind  that  I  shall  write,  you  know  is  to  say  what  the 
closing  year  naturally  suggests.  But  it  may  be  that 
the  Lord  of  the  vineyard  has  designed  me  as  an  un- 
der-dresser. 

"The  close  of  the  year  generally  finds  men  of  busi- 
ness engaged  in  adjusting  their  accounts.  Would  it 
not  be  well  for  us,  as  stewards  in  the  house  of  God, 
and  trans-acting  business  for  our  unseen  Lord,  to  in- 
quire of  each  other,  '  How  much  owest  thou  unto  my 
Lord  V  My  father,  my  brother,  my  sister,  how  much 
owest  thou?  James,  son,  and  brother,  how  much  owest 
thou  ? 

"  How  great  is  our  debt  as  a  family  !  In  common 
with  other  families,  we  have  enjoyed  food,  and  rai- 
ment, and  house,  and  home,  and  friends.  The  same 
social  privileges,  the  same  civil  and  religious  liberty, 
have  been  given  unto  us  as  to  our  neighbors.  And  un- 
der heaven  where  is  there  a  family  more  blessed  with 


250  MEMOIR  OF 

fellow-feeling — more  united  to  advance  one  another  to 
tne  upper  kingdom?  What  hath  God  wrought?  To 
him  be  all  the  glory. 

"  But  the  -past  year  has  been  fraught  with  loving- 
kindness  and  tender  mercies!  His  mercy!  Oitreach- 
eth  to  the  clouds. 

"  Not  less  as  individuals,  than  as  a  family,  do  we 
owe  unto  the  Lord.  In  looking  over  the  past  year, 
what  a  train  of  good  hath  followed,  and  in  good  order  ! 
Prosperity  hath  been  in  the  borders  of  each.  How  it 
hath  been  with  you  in  particular  circumstances  you 
will  remember  upon  a  review.  What  health  continued 
— what  dangers  escaped — what  trials  have  been  sanc- 
tified to  wean  you  from  the  world — what  lessons  learn- 
ed by  experience,  whereby  we  are  able  to  do  more, 
and  with  greater  facility,  for  God  and  each  other — 
what  seasons  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  both  in  secret,  in  the  family,  and  in  the  great 
congregation ! 

"  As  for  me,  the  Lord,  that  heareth  the  young  ravens 
when  they  cry,  and  taketh  care  of  the  sparrows,  hath 
heard  and  taken  care  of  me.  As  fully  and  as  season- 
ably as  he  hath  remembered  them,  so  hath  he  admin- 
istered to  me.  Yes,  I  have  not  wanted  any  good  thing; 
I  have  all  and  abound.  How  unlike  my  blessed  Mas- 
ter !  When  wandermg  up  and  down,  he  had  not  where 
to  lay  his  head.  But  he  makes  my  couch  for  repose, 
and  imparts  sweet  sleep — and  besides,  as  a  pillow 
softer  than  down,  he  gives  me  to  lean  upon  his  arm 
and  rest  on  his  bosom.  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  de- 
scribe the  communion  into  which  he  hath  admitted  me 
with  himself  during  the  past  year. 

"  Have  we  not  all  been  ripening  for  heaven  ?   How 


JAMES   BRAINBRD    TAYLOR.  ^51 

much  have  we  grown  in  grace  and  better  acquaintance 
with  our  own  hearts  and  with  our  God  ? 

"  How  much  owe  we  unto  our  Lord  ?  '  More  than 
ten  thousand  talents.'  And  what  have  we  to  pay  ?  All 
that  we  have,  does  it  not  belong  to  God  ?  How  then 
shall  the  debt  be  cancelled  ?  We  must  not  say,  Lord, 
be  patient,  and  I  will  pay  thee  all  j  but  fall  down  and 
rejoice  that  for  Christ's  sake  God  hath  forgiven  all  our 
sins — the  whole  debt.  For  one,  I  feel  constrained  to 
say,  thou  hast  in  love  to  my  soul  delivered  it  from  the 
pit  of  corruption,  for  thou  hast  cast  all  my  sins  behind 
thy  back. 

"  Let  it  be  our  aim  to  keep  ourselves  in  the  love  of 
God.  God  is  love,  and  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law. 
Love,  then,  should  be  the  reigning  passion  of  our  souls. 
This  is  the  grace  that  never  faileth. 

"  Respecting  ourselves  as  a  family,  and  as  indivi- 
duals, if  we  '  seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his 
righteousness,'  we  may  expect  the  good  hand  of  our  . 
God  still  to  be  upon  us  for  good,  in  this  the  house  of 
our  pilgrimage.  Whatever  then  is  neglected,  let  not 
our  souls  suff'er.  But  I  think,  as  our  souls  are  in  health 
and  prosper,  so  our  daily  business  will  succeed,  and  . 
that  to  the  glory  of  God.  And  may  those  committed 
to  our  care, be  greater  sharers  in  our  exertions,  as 
though  the  next  were  to  be  our  last  year;  for,  indeed, 
if  not  to  all,  it  may  prove  such  to  some.  Let  us  each 
inquire,  '  Lord,  is  it  I  ?'  May  we  strive  together  more 
in  our  prayers  for  one  another.  On  Mondays  I  think 
of  you  all  more  particularly  than  at  other  times ;  and 
I  have  had  nearness  of  access  to  God  in  pleading  for 
those  I  love. 

**  Who  can  tell  but  we  may  contrive  something  new 


252  MEMOIR  or 

whereby  to  do  good  ;  or  exert  ourselves  more  in  ptif-* 
suing  former  plans  ?  Let  us  in  all  things  live  to  God^ 
and  eat,  drink,  sleep,  and  act  for  his  glory. 

"  The  succeeding  year  may  prove  to  be  a  jubilee  to 
multitudes  of  souls.  For  this  out  prayer,  not  our  words 
merely  should  ascend,  for  pur  own  sanctification,  and 
for  the  purification  of  the  church  visible  also.  Let.  us, 
as  much  as  in  us  lies,  feed  the  hungry,  clothe  the 
naked,  and  help  the  helpless.  As  for  our  enemies,  love 
them  and  do  them  good,  for  did  not  Christ  manifest 
his  love  for  us,  while  we  were  enemies?  He  died  for 
the  ungodly.  Let  us  be  peace-makers.  Be  kindly  affec- 
tioned  one  toward  another.  Love  as  brethren.  If  in  life 
we  are  undivided,  cemented  in  love,  in  death  we  shall 
not  be  sundered.  May  you  all  find  the  grace  of  hope 
filling  you  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing,  that  ye 
may  abound  in  hope  through  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  And  should  I  sink,  as  I  deserve,  may  you  rise 
to  life.  The  Lord  give  you,  every  one.  an  entrance 
abundantly  into  his  everlasting  kingdom,  and  there 
may  our  united  hallelujahs  resound  to  God  and  the 
Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.  If  not  before,  I  hope  to  meet 
you  in  one  of  the  many  mansions.  Adieu,  l^our  affec- 
tionate son  and  brother, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

To  his  Cousin  M A — -. 

''Princeton,  Dec-  23,  1824. 

"Notwithstanding  my  long  silence,  my  thoughts 
have  often  flown  across  hill  and  dale  to  your  habita- 
tion, with  the  inquiry,  how  is  it  with  M.  A.  ? 

"Doubtless  it  has  been  well  with  you  all  the  day 
long.    Had  I  before  me  this  evening  a  view  of  your 


JAMES    BHAINERD    TAYLOH.  253 

exercises  since  we  parted,  perhaps  I  should  discover 
you  shut  out  from  the  Avorld,  and  at  the  same  lime 
shut  up  in  the  love  of  God.  O  what  place  is  like  that 
in  which  the  soul  is  blessed  with  intimate  holy  com- 
munion with  God  our  Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  through  the  indwellmg  of  the  Holy  Ghost  ? 
Bless  the  bord  that  our  souls  are  not  strangers  to  such 
visits  of  love.  The  world  knoweth  them  not,  but  unto 
us  our  God  hath  revealed  the  hidden  mystery. 

"At  another  lime  I  should  discover  you  holding 
sweet  converse  with  some  dear  child  of  God,  who  with 
yourself  has  drunk  deep  into  his  love.  What  harmony 
between  souls  that  vibrate  in  unison  when  touched 
Avith  love  divine  ! 

"  At  another  time  in  your  class  or  in  the  congrega- 
tion ;  and  there  too  you  have  renewed  your  strength. 
How  good  the  good  Shepherd  is !  he  feeds  his  sheep. 
How  kind  our  Elder  Brother!  he  supplies  our  wants. 
How  powerful  our  King  !  he  subdues  our  foes.  And 
through  all  our  journey  we  may  expect  that  the  Lord 
will  provide. 

"  If  indeed  you  have  been  thus  favored  at  home  Imd 
abroad,  you  have  gone  up  in  the  w^ay  of  holiness.  And 
does  not  your  purpose  to  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord 
stand  lirm  ?  Yes,  my  dear  cousin,  better  things  are 
hoped  of  you  than  of  some  who  seemed  to  run  well  for 
a  time.  And  from  what  the  Lord  has  discovered  to  us 
of  his  goodness,  we  are  looking  for  still  greater  things  ; 
for  the  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining. light  that 
shineth  more  and  more  to  the  perfect  day.  Verily,  I 
believe  ihere  is  such  a  blessing  as  sinking  into  the 
love  of  God.  In  thinking  on  this  subject,  I  have  com- 
pared the  love  of  God  to  an  ocean;  and  supposing 

22  J.  B.  Taylor- 


254 


me:,:oir  of 


myself  on  the  surface  of  this  great  deep,  I  could  ima- 
gine myself  sinking  and  sinking — but  how  far?  O 
there  are  attainments  in  holy  love  which  we  have  not 
yet  made !  May  we  sink,  and  sink,  and  sink,  and  so 
get  out  of  the  sight  and  influence  of  the  world,  and 
out  of  the  reach  of  the  devil. 

"  My  little  room  still  witnesses  the  manifestations 
of  God  in  melting  my  soul  into  love  and  tenderness  ; 
so  that  in  testimony  of  his  favor  I  tell  you  that  I  am 
on  my  journey.  Christ,  as  King,  reigns  on  the  throne 
of  my  heart.  I  have  a  consciousness  of  reconciliation, 
and  am  waiting  for  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One, 
more  and  more  to  sink  me  into  the  ocean.  God  is 
Love. 

"  Having  been  feasted  at  the  rich  banquets  of  our 
Lord,  we  long  to  see  a  multitude  come  and  possess 
more  than  we  have  enjoyed.  O,  when  shall  the  sons 
of  Levi — when  shall  ministers  of  the  Gospel  be  more 
holy  ; — when  shall  the  church,  as  a  body,  put  on  this 
beautiful  garment '} 

"  Are  there  those  with  you,  who  '  hunger  and  thirst 
after  righteousness?'  May  they  expect  to  '  he  filled;^ 
and  not  linger,  but  eat  of  the  bread  of  life,  and  drink 
of  the  wells  of  salvation,  till  satisfied. 

"  How  sweet  a  frame  is  this :  to  have  the  simple 
language  of  the  soul — more  love — enlarge  the  vessel, 
and  give  me  more — more  faith — more  meekness — more 

HOLINESS. 

"  Day  by  day,  may  our  souls  rest  under  the  smiles 
of  our  Father  God,  and  God  the  Son.  May  Jesus 
breathe  on  us,  and  say,  '  Receive  ye  the  Holy  Ghost  j' 
and  feeling  that  our  bodies  are  his  temples,  may  we 
keep  them  under — walk  as  becometh  saints — as  chil- 


JAMES    BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  255 

dren  of  the  day  and  not  of  the  night.  Be  it  ours  in  all 
things  to  keep  consciences  void  of  offence.  To  do  this, 
we  may  often  give  offence  to  man,  but  in  the  sight  of 
heaven  we  shall  be  harmless  as  doves. 

"  Soon  we  shall  be  done  with  things  below.  Till 
then,  we  shall  be  sheep — pilgrims — soldiers  ;  sheep  in 
the  midst  of  wolves — pilgrims  through  a  wilderness  to 
a  city  out  of  sight — and  soldiers  for  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
Let  us  then  feed  by  our  Savior's  side,  who  as  the 
good  Shepherd  cares  for  his  sheep.  Let  us  run  and 
not  be  weary — let  us  fight  and  conquer.  Then  comes 
the  crown:  in  company  v/ith  my  cousin  I  expect  to 
wear  it. 

"  My  mind  is  intent  upon  the  work  before  me.  Strive 
with  me  in  your  prayers,  that  I  may  receive  a  com- 
mission from  the  Lord,  as  well  as  from  man,  by  being 
filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost. 

"As  ever,  your  affectionate  cousin, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

To  Miss  W . 

«  Nassau  Hall,  Dec.  30,  1824. 
"  Very  dear  friond  and  sister, 

""Remembering  your  injunction  not  to  forget  the  New 
Year's  letter,  I  again  wish  you,  in  anticipation,  a  hap- 
py New  Year. 

"  At  the  close  of  a  year,  the  thought  naturally  arises, 
how  many,  who  started  with  us  at  the  commencement 
of  this  year,  are  no  more  in  the  land  of  the  living? 
And  the  prosjiect  of  as  many  dying  the  year  just 
about  to  begin,  is  as  serious  as  the  fact  that  thousands 
have  fallen  into  their  graves — appeared  before  iheiv 


256  MEMOIR    OF  • 

Judge— sunk  to  hell,  or  been  raised  to  hearen  during  the 
past  year.  Among  those  Avho  shall  yield  to  the  de- 
stroyer before  the  close  of  the  next  year^  we  may  be 
numbered. 

"  Reviewing  the  past  year,  I  find  it  fraught  with 
blessings  temporal  and  spiritual.  I  have  just  left  pe- 
rusing the  records  of  God's  goodness  tome — and  could 
I  tell  you  all,  you  would  say  with  me, '  O  that  men  would 
praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonder- 
ful works  to  the  children  of  men.'  But  I  will  not  at- 
tempt a  narration.  Suffice  it  to  say,  I  om  under  in- 
finite obligations  to  love  God  more  than  ever.  And  I 
hope  you  will  still  strive  with  me  in  your  prayers  to 
God  for  me,  for  an  increase  of  faith,  hope,  love  joy, 
meekness,  humbleness  of  mind,  holy  zeal,  and  boldness 
for  God. 

"  I  should  rejoice  to  have  an  hour's  interview  with 
you,  as  in  former  days,  to  hear  you  tell  of  the  loving- 
kindness  of  the  Lord,  But  it  is  unspeakable  and  full 
of  glory.  It  is  with  you  as  with  some  others,  who  can 
look  forward  to  another  world  as  a  place  to  recount 
all.  What  awaits  us  on  Z ion's  hill,  I  leave  for  you  to 
imagine.  And  may  your  soul  get  further  within  the 
veil,  and  nearer  to  the  throne  of  love. 

"  As  usual,  I  suppose  you  are  in  the  midst  of  gayety 
and  fashion.  Do  you  find  those  professors,  whose 
minds  are  taken  up  with  outward  ornament,  best  deco- 
rated within.  I  suppose  you  conclude  with  me,  that 
a  clean  heart  seeks  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet 
spirit,  which  is  so  honorable  in  the  sight  of  God,  and 
so  esteemed  by  the  holy,  rather  than  the  embellish- 
ments of  art  which  man  honors  ? 

"  Miss  W.  every  day's  observation  convinces  me 


JAMES    BRAIiNERD    TAYLOR.  257 

more  and  more  that  piety  is  not  always  connected  with 
a  profession.  It  costs  but  little  (in  this  world)  to  be 
united  in  form  to  God's  people.  In  another,  the  hypo- 
crite will  find  that  he  has  been  playing  the  fool  with 
his  soul  at  a  dear  rate.  While  others  trust  in  forms, 
may  we  have  the  power  of  godliness.  While  some 
share  only  in  the  name,  be  it  ours  to  possess  the  vir- 
tue of  Christians — Christians  justified  and  sanctified. 
While  others  feed  on  husks,  may  we  eat  the  true  bread. 
While  others  grasp  at  golden  ore,  and  are  unsatisfied 
let  us  obtain  the  true  riches. 

"  As  this  may  be  our  last  year,  we  should  be  excited 
to  do  our  utmost  for  our  Master.  How  many  are  around 
us  that  we  can  benefit  ?  We  still  live,  and  they  are 
on  the  footstool  of  mercy.  What  we  would  do  for  them 
and  for  ourselves  must  be  done  quickly.  I  heard  of 
the  death  of  one  of  late,  which  caused  me  to  ask, 
could  not  I  have  done  something  for  him  ?  But  he  is 
gone. 

"  Who  can  tell  but  some  one  of  the  young  ladies  of 
your  household  shall  be  followed  to  the  grave  ere  the 
close  of  ihe  next  year  ?  I  know  you  wish  to  meet  them 
at  the  right  hand  of  the  Judge  ;  but  are  they  anxious 
to  meet  you  there  ?  There  is  danger,  it  seems  to  me, 
danger  of  their  retaining  their  unregenerated  hearts, 
and  carrying  ihem  to  the  bar  of  God.  And  who  ever 
returned  to  tell  us  that  an  impenitent  sinner  ever  got 
rid  of  his  wicked  heart,  after  passing  the  threshold  of 
eternity  ?  Ah !  his  once  proffered  Friend  is  now  his 
enemy — his  state  is  fixed — he  is  lost — he  is  damned 
for  ever ! 

"  A  word   to  the  young  ladies.     The  year  that  is 
gone  has  witnessed  the  long-suffering  patience  of  God 
ii2* 


258  MEMOIR    OF 

to  US ;  while  others  are  beyond  hope,  we  are  still  pri- 
soners of  hope.  The  opportunity  is  offered  us  to  flee 
to  the  strong  hold — even  to  Christ.  Commencing  a 
new  era  of  time,  would  it  not  be  well  to  secure  the 
favor  of  the  Most  High,  and  let  future  days  or  years 
bear  witness  to  your  allegiance  to  the  King  of  kings? 
In  answering  this  question,  take  into  consideration 
the  need  you  will  have  of  Christ  in  the  solemn  scenes 
of  the  death-bed,  the  grave,  and  the  judgment. 

"  But,  Miss  W.  farewell !  A  Christian  salutation 
to  the  friends  of  Christ.    Affectionately  yours. 

"  James  B.  Taylor." 

Diary. — "  Awoke  this  morning  with  a  heavenly 
sweetness,  and  look  my  usual  walk  as  it  began  to 
dawn.  Endeavored  to  follow  Christ  in  his  humilia- 
tion. This  passage  has  been  of  comfort  to  me  during 
the  disturbance  in  college,  and  I  have  considered  it  a 
stronger  defence  than  a  wall.  '  Whoso  hearkeneth 
unto  me  shall  dwell  safely,  and  shall  be  quiet  from 
the  fear  of  evil.'  " 

As  Mr.  Taylor  closed  the  former  year,  so,  with  the 
«:pirit  of  genuine  piety,  he  began  the  new  year  with 
God.  Perhaps  no  man  more  strictly  complied  with 
the  injunction,  "  In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him ;" 
and  none  seemed  more  confidently  to  expect  the  lul- 
fillment  of  the  promise,  "  He  shall  direct  thy  paths.*' 
The  commencement  of  his  diary  for  this  year  is  an  in- 
teresting and  instructive  exhibition  of  his  obedience 
and  faiUi  in  this  respect. 

"  Jan.  1   1825. — That  another  year  has  rolled  awny 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  259 

is  to  me  no  matter  of  regret.  In  time,  and  beyond  time, 
it  will  be  remembered  as  a  season  of  distinguishing 
mercy.  Thanks  to  the  good  Sliepherd  for  '  the  green 
pastures '  of  the  past  year :  to  my  heavenly  Father,  for 
his  smiles:  my  Com'forter,  for  his  presence. 

"  What  will  occur  this  year  is  hid  from  mortal  man. 
But  O,  it  is  in  the  mind  of  the  omniscient  God.  And 
this  God  is  my  God,  to  whom  I  am  willing  to  refer 
all,  both  for  myself  and  others.  That  he  is  on  the 
throne,  is  enough  for  me.  And  his  glory  he  will  not 
give  to  another. 

"  Direct  me,  O  Lord,  in  the  right  way.  Lead  me 
in  a  plain  path  all  paved  with  love — the  path  that 
leadeth  upward,  and  reacheth  the  land  of  rest — the 
way  of  holiness — the  King's  highway. 

"  I  believe  there  are  richer  blessings  in  store  for 
me  ;  if  not  on  earth,  in  heaven.  And  the  Lord's  will 
being  done,  it  is  not  a  matter  of  much  concern  to  me 
whether  on  earth  or  in  heaven.  But  should  my  life 
be  spared  this  year  also,  may  my  soul  sink — and  sink — 
and  sink  into  God,  day  by  day.  Then  I  shall  grow  in 
grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jesus — deny 
myself,  take  up  my  cross,  and  follow  Christ — live  to 
God — be  a  light  in  the  world — salt  of  the  earth — wise 
as  a  serpent,  harmless  as  a  dove — spiritual,  and  not 
carnal. 

"  O  that  the  lives  of  my  relatives  who  are  not  yet 
for  God,  might  be  spared,  to  repent  this  year,  and  come 
to  Christ;  that  my  friends,  who  love  the  Lord,  may- 
honor  him  more,  by  bringing  forth  much  fruit.  May 
this  year  be  a  favored  season  for  Zion. 

"  Lord,  increase  piety  in  the  watchmen.  Make  the 
under-shepherds  careful  of  the  flock.    May  the  flock 


260  MEMOIR   OF 

be  purified.  Let  souls  be  joined  to  the  Lord  in  thou- 
sands. Prepare  candidates  for  the  holy  ministry  for 
their  office.  Make  all  that  come  after  more  holy  and 
self-denying  than  those  who  have  gone  before.  Pre- 
pare we  eminently  to  win  souls  to  Christ,  and  build  up 
the  church.  This  is  all  I  ask  in  this  world  in  regard  to 
my  relation  to  smners.  For  thee  would  I  labor;  for 
thee,  O  Christ,  would  I  die,  rather  than  be  a  hinder- 
ance  to  thy  cause.  But  here  I  am ;  do  with  me  as 
seeraeth  good  in  thy  sight.     Thy  will  be  done.'- 

To  Rev.  Mr.  S . 

"  I  must  tell  you  that  the  time  passes,  for  the  most 
part,  sweetly,  peacefully,  and  sometimes  with  joy  and 
exultation.  Perhaps,  since  I  have  been  in  college,  I 
have  not  enjoyed  more  steadily  the  presence  of  our 
Lord  than  I  do  now.  My  studies  are  more  agreeabltj 
and  my  engagements  are  so  regular,  that  I  forget  the 
day  of  the  month,  and  sometimes  have  to  pause  for 
the  day  of  the  week.  Come  and  interrupt  me.  I  say 
co?72e,  if  the  Lord  will.  However  glad  I  should  he  to 
see  my  brother,  more  happy  would  I  be  to  have  him, 
even  from  me,  in  the  pathway  of  duty.  Eternity  is 
before  us.  In  time  we  may  yet  spend  happy  days  to- 
gether. Beyond  time,  we  will  hope  to  sit  down  toge- 
ther in  the  kingdom  of  God.  And  though  I  would 
not  be  light  on  so  sacred  a  theme,  Avill  you  not,  then, 
introduce  me  to  some  whom,  under  God,  you  have 
sent  thither?  With  what  double  ardor  should  we  raise 
our  sails  and  ply  our  oars  !  Are  you  not  among  the 
i;V;)/>£Tctf  of  Jesus  Christ — a  roic e7^-minister.  (1  Cor. 
4:  L)    May  the  Captain  direct  your  course.     May 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  261 

you  keep  a  good  look-out — run  clear — ship  multitudes 
— enter  the  haven  fully  laden — cast  anchor  and  be 
safely  moored  for  ever.  Pray  that  I  also,  with  wide- 
spread sail,  may  be  wafted  over  to  the  heavenly  port, 
the  New  Jerusalem.  The  good  Spirit  blow  upon  and 
fill  our  sails." 

Diary.  "  Jan.  13. — '  His  loving-kindness,  O  how 
great !'  Have  just  risen  from  the  floor,  where  my  peace 
was  like  a  river.  I  longed  for  more  of  God ;  for  a 
suitable  preparation  for  the  work  of  an  evangelist.  I 
felt  myself  a  worm,  and  no  man ;  but,  blessed  be  the 
Lord,  I  am  in  his  hands.  Here  would  I  lie,  and  wait 
and  long  for  his  direction  from  day  to  day.  I  love  the 
truth,  and  long  to  be  more  and  more  sanctified  through 
it.  Praise  the  Lord  for  holiness — for  a  clean  heart. 
May  I  keep  myself  in  the  love  of  God. 

"  16th. — The  past  week — this  is  Sabbath — has  been 
fraught  with  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercy — and 
base  ingratitude.  After  the  rich  blessing  of  last  Thurs 
day,  my  spirit,  before  morning,  was  shorn  of  its 
strength,  by  what  has  so  often  shrouded  my  soul  in 
darkness.  But  the  Lord  healed  my  backsliding.  '  If 
any  man  sin,  we  have  an  Advocate  with  the  Father ;' 
and  '  if  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful  and  just  to 
forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  unrigh- 
teousness.' He  brought  me  to  exercise  confidence  in 
God,  and  my  soul  was  restored.  Alas  !  that  I  should 
leave  the  Lord  and  wander  from  the  fountain.  Make 
me,  Lord,  to  know  wisdom  from  my  past  falls,  and 
may  I  set  a  double  watch  and  repel  my  foes.  Blessed 
be  the  Lord  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  who  only  doeth 
wondrous  things ;  and  blessed  be  his  holy  name  for 


262  MEMOIR   OF 

ever.  Had,  between  ten  and  eleven  o'clock  A.  M.  a 
blessing  of  blessings.  Took  up  the  Memoirs  of  the 
dear  Brainerd,  and  followed  him  through  part  of  his 
last  sickness.  When  I  came  to  his  interview  with  a 
clergyman  concerning  the  great  importance  of  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  my  heart  broke ;  it  had  heaved 
before,  but  now  it  melted  and  overflowed  with  unut- 
terable emotions,  while  floods  of  tears  ran  down  mine 
eyes.  The  importance  of  the  work  increased  in  my 
apprehension,  while,  in  my  own  view,  I  was  but  a 
worm,  and  no  man  ;  yet  I  longed  to  preach  the  Gos- 
pel ;  I  thirsted  to  labor  in  God's  vineyard ;  to  be  an 
under-shepherd  was  my  only  desire  ;  and  the  thought 
of  ever  relinquishing  the  glorious  object  increased  still 
more  my  emotions,  while  my  place  seemed  to  be  in 
the  diist — nay,  if  justice  should  take  its  course,  the 
lowest  hell. 

"  Here  I  felt  such  an  exercise  as  I  am  not  conscious 
of  having  ever  experienced  before — a  rising  of  soul  to 
God ;  and  being  filled  with  love,  until  I  yielded  myself 
up  entirely  to  his  disposal,  to  live  or  die,  labor  or  not, 
I  fell  before  God,  and  acknowledged  his  blessing  with 
thanksgiving. 

"  I  soon  repaired  to  the  hall  for  worship.  Had  not 
been  seated  long  before  a  heavenly  breeze  wafted  my 
soul  to  higher  communion  with  God.  Never  till  then 
did  I  so  feel  the  import  of  the  pnssage,  '  I  am  sick  of 
love.'  The  sermon  was  attended  with  power  to  my 
soul.  Thank  the  Lord  for  so  faithful  a  servant  as  the 
preacher  appeared  to  be.  He  seemed  to  be  one  who 
had  drank  at  the  fountain  of  holiness,  and  lived  on  an- 
gel's food ;  hence  I  came  away  with  the  conviction 
that  holiness — holiness,  is  the  grand  secret  of  effectual 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  263 

preaching.  Upon  this  point  my  mind  has  been  much 
exercised  lately ;  and  I  bless  God  that  I  am  becoming 
more  and  more  conformed  to  him.  The  thought  was 
suggested,  '  What  will  you  do  when  you  become  a 
preacher?  You  will  not  be  fluent.'  My  answer  was, 
at  which  I  take  courage,  '  In  the  Lord  have  I  righte- 
ousness and  strength ;'  and  I  charged  myself  not  to 
fear,  for  the  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation.  No : 
I  have  nought  to  fear  but  offending  God.  I  may  take 
courage :  onward  let  me  go,  '  redeeming  the  time,' 
living  as  becometh  one  whom  the  Lord  thus  favors. 
How  much  depression  and  gloom  rested  upon  Brain- 
erd — none  upon  me.  I  hardly  know  what  it  is.  Health 
of  body  too  is  mine.    O  to  lay  it  all  out  for  God  ! 

"  17th. — Since  Sabbath  I  have,  for  the  most  part,  en- 
joyed a  sweet  savor  of  divine  things  ;  but  this  evening 
the  Lord  has  come  of  a  truth,  to  deepen  his  work  in 
my  soul.    The  effect  seemed  to  be 

'  The  speechless  awe  that  dares  not  move, 
And  all  the  silent  heaven  of  love.' 

Incense  had  been  burning  through  the  day.  My  will- 
ing soul  looked  upward.  I  longed  for  a  deepening  of 
the  work  of  grace.  Peace,  in  steady  stream,  glided  me 
along;  but  my  soul  thirsted  for  God,  for  the  living 
God.  Sat  down  and  opened  the  word,  and  read,  'Jesus 
stood  and  cried,  If  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto 
me  and  drink.'  Jesus  !  O,  at  that  name  what  emotions 
arose ;  his  loveliness ;  his  condescension.  My  soul 
melted,  and  was  filled  with  love. 

"  What  most  occupied  my  mind,  was  my  anticipated 
office.  O  !  it  is  more  and  more  magnified  in  my  view. 
And  as  it  gathers  greatness,  I  long  for  the  best  quali- 


284  MEMOIR   OF 

fication  for  it — holiness.  More  of  late  than  formerly 
does  this  subjeci  call  forth  strong  cries  and  tears.  I 
now-  feel  in  my  soul,  '  Who  is  sufficient  for  these 
things?'  Shall  I  be  left  to  prove  a  drone  among  the 
church's  watchmen?  Shall  I  live  as  I  see  many  mi- 
nisters live  ?  Forbid  it,  Lord.  They  are  ciphers  when 
they  ought  to  be  thousands.  And  what  lukevvarmness 
— what  apathy — what  worldly-mindedness,  pervade 
candidates  for  the  ministry  ! 

"  How  I  longed  for  full  preparation  for  the  work ; 
and  of  the  kind  the  Lord  would  have  me  possessed  ot'. 
And  rather  than  live  to  prove  a  curse  to  the  church, 
by  being  a  mercenary — worldly — and  thus,  a  soul- 
damning  minister,  I  would  now  be  removed.  But  the 
great  Head  of  the  church  is  breathing  on  me  from  time 
to  time.  He  gives  me  the  holy  anointing;  he  sends 
sweet  longings  for  his  glory — holy  jealousy  for  his 
honor.  On  him  let  me  still  lean  and  cast  every  care. 
Then  I  felt  willing  to  relinquish  all  for  Christ,  to  go 
any  where,  and  to  be  any  thing  for  him.  And  he 
showed  me  his  countenance,  and  my  strength  was 
renewed. 

"  Sitting  under  the  word  this  evening,  honey  from 
the  rock  dropped  upon  me.  O,  how  good  !  The  rest 
is  already  begun — the  earnest  is  given — it  is  within. 
If  I  should  say,  I  know  him  not,  I  should  lie,  and  do 
not  the  truth ;  for  I  feel  that  I  know  God  and  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  and  am  known  of  him.  0,  when  shall  I 
see  him  as  he  is?  When  shall  1  from  earth  away? 
'  O,  glorious  hour  !'  I  am  expecting  his  chariot ;  yet 
my  prevailing  preference  is,  if  the  will  of  the  Lord  be 
so,  to  live  and  do  the  work  of  an  evangelist,  and  make 
full  proof  of  my  ministry ;  and  then  there  will  be  an 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  266 

elernlly  still.  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.  The 
kingdom  is  his— -the  work  is  his — and  the  glory  is  his. 
Amen,  and  amen." 

To  a  young  Christian: 

"  Janitary  22,  1825, 

"  Soon  a  year  will  have  gone  by  since  that  evening 
when  you  thought  you  '  determined  to  know  nothing 
save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified.'  Has  the  before 
barren  fig-tree  brought  forth  fruit  corresponding  with 
the  transplanting  and  cultivation?  Once  in  the  barren 
soil  of  the  world — now  in  the  garden  of  God  ;  once  as 
a  sheep  going  astray — but  now  returned  unto  the  Shep- 
herd and  Bishop  of  souls.  Can  the  world  bring  in  their 
testimony  that  you  laid  out  yourself  more  in  unrighte- 
ousness than  the  people  of  God  can  that  you  spend 
yourself  in  holy  living  ?  As  a  tree  planted  by  the  river 
side— as  a  sheep  in  green  pastures — as  the  sun  at  its 
meridian — so  you  should  bring  forth  fruit  a  hundred- 
fold. Always  abound  in  spiritual  health,  and  shine  re- 
splendently  in  your  every-day  walk  and  conversation. 

"  I  have  before  me  some  mottos,  and  I  will  tran- 
scribe them  for  you : 

'  Whatever  you  do,  do  it  for  God.' 
For  thee,  Lord,  for  thee.' 
Is  this  lawful  V 
Is  it  becoming?' 
Is  it  expedient?' 

I  will  add  another— 

*How  will  this  appear  to  me  on  my  dying  bed?* 

When  aught  is  presented,  to  &e,  to  do,  or  to  suffer^ 

23  J.B.Taylor. 


266  MEMOIR   OF 

we  may  apply  these  tests  as  in  the  light  of  God's 
word,  and  in  view  of  the  relations  we  sustain  to  him, 
to  the  church,  and  to  the  world,  and  decide. 

"  Ever  retiring,  submissive,  mild,  let  us  act  the 
part  of  little  children,  and  so  carry  about  with  us  the 
spirit  of  Jesus,  whose  plan  of  benevolence,  having  been 
devised,  is  noAv  going  on  in  its  accomplishment.  In  the 
temple  that  is  going  up  on  the  foundation  rock  Christ 
Jesus,  let  us  try,  by  co-working  with  God,  to  have  at 
least  one  nail  in  the  building. 

"  With  earnest  desire  that  you  may  be  holy,  harm- 
less, undefiled,  and  thus  Christ-like,  I  say,  press  for- 
ward,  and  as  you  go  onward,  look  tcpward." 

Diary.     "Jan.  23. 

'  Love  divine,  all  love  excelling.' 

"  This  has  been  a  high  day  to  me.  The  Lord  of  the 
Sabbath  has  remembered  me  for  good ;  and  I  praise 
his  name.  But  how  shall  I  record  his  visits  of  love  ? 
They  surpass  my  powers  of  description.  There  is  a 
certain  something  which  is  known  only  to  those  who 
have  felt  the  same,  that  requires  a  higher  language 
than  mine  to  express. 

"  The  exercises  in  the  hall  were  profitable.  My  soul 
was  drawn  out  in  prayer  for  a  fitness  for  the  work  of 
God  in  his  vineyard,  and  melted  with  longings,  not 

only  for  myself,  but  for  brother  M ,  that  God  would 

make  us  eminently  meet  to  do  his  will. 

"  After  preparing  for  Bible  recitation,  took  the  Me- 
moirs of  Whitefield  and  read  of  his  being  a  blessing 
to  mmisters,  &c.  when  a  thought  crossed  my  mind, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  267 

which  was  as  an  arrow  dipped  in  poison.  When  I 
came  to  analyze  it,  it  appeared  to  amount  to  this . 
'  What  is  the  use  of  striving  to  win  souls  ?  you  will 
never  gain  as  many  as  he  did.'  The  effect  was  (for  it 
seems  I  gave  place  to  the  devil)  the  removal  of  that 
ardent  thirst  for  preparation  which  I  felt  before.  I  took 
the  alarm  and  chided  myself^fell  before  the  Lord, 
and  acknowledged  all;  and  I  felt  that  that  sinful 
thought  was  enough  to  separate  me  from  the  love  and 
favor  of  God  for  ever — I  could  urge  no  plea,  but  the 
once-suffering,  bleeding,  dying  Savior;  and  through 
him  I  could  discern  that  the  Lord  had  only  forsaken 
me  in  a  little  wrath,  and  that  with  everlasting  kind- 
ness he  would  draw  me.  My  heart  melted  a  little ; 
and  then  I  could  recollect  with  thankful  remem- 
brance the  blessing  with  which  I  was  visited,  two 
years  and  nine  months  ago,  about  the  hour  I  was  then 
before  the  Lord.  As  yet,  the  longing  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  and  anxiety  for  fruitfulness,  and  solicitude  for 
full  preparation,  had  not  re-entered  my  heart,  nor  did 
I  know  that  they  would  ever  return  again.  I  felt  that 
I  did  not  deserve  this  grace ;  and  that  God  was  under 
no  obligation  to  bestow  it — and  that  it  was  my  folly 
that  had  brought  me  into  this  condition.  Here  I  ven- 
tured to  ask  the  Lord  his  will  concerning  me ;  and 
that  if  it  were  his  will  that  I  should  possess  zeal  for 
his  glory  and  a  longing  desire  to  preach  the  Gospel, 
he  would  ihe7i  show  it  me.  I  looked,  and  waited,  and 
prayed — and  the  answer  came,  and  in  a  measure  which 
perhaps  I  nSver  felt  before — all  else  seemed  vain.  O 
the  heavings  of  my  inmost  soul  to  be  this  one  thing, 
VIZ.  an  under-shepherd.  Then  the  inquiry  arose  :  Lord, 
shall  I  ever  preach  the  Gospel?    Lord,  am  I  a  chosea 


268  MEMOIR    OF 

vessel  ?  Whether  it  was  an  answer  or  not,  I  took  it  to 
be  such,  and  in  the  affirmative.  I  feel  willing  to  live 
a  hundred  years  on  earth,  if  I  might  work  for  God 
and  bring  souls  to  Christ,  and  then  have  nothing  di- 
minished from  ETERNITY.  O  who  would  not  live  a 
thousand  years,  if  it  were  the  will  of  God  ?  Let  me 
be  no  more  anxious  about  living  or  dying;  but  let  me 
live  unto  the  Lord,  that  when  I  die,  I  may  die  unto  the 
Lord. 

"  From  the  experience  of  to-day,  learn,  my  soul, 
ever  to  apply  to  the  fountain  as  soon  as  a  stain  is  con- 
tracted, and  with  double  earnestness.  Rather  learn  to 
live  so  near  as  to  drink  for  the  keeping  away  all  ma- 
ladies, and  for  constant  refreshing. 

"  27th. — Last  week  was  invited  to  attend  a  party, 
but  had  no  inclination  to  comply — no,  my  soul  was 
too  much  set  on  heavenly,  to  desire  the  earthly  enter- 
tainment ;  and  so  long  as  eternal  things  are  pressing 
upon  mej  I  think  I  shall  find  no  time  to  devote  to  the 
gay  circle.  Instead  of  mingling  with  that  circle,  was 
called  to  speak  for  my  Lord  to  a  company  of  females. 
The  Lord  melted  some  of  the  audience,  and  I  have 
now  returned  from  seeing  one  who  felt  the  word  spo- 
ken. Endeavored  to  be  faithful  to  a  student  of  theo- 
logy who  called  on  me.  Alas  !  at  how  low  an  ebb  is 
piety  among  candidates  for  the  ministry  !  Lord,  save 
me  from  the  contagion.  He  made  a  long  acknowledg- 
ment of  his  coldness,  but  at  the  same  time  mingled 
with  it  many  fashionable  excuses.  He  did  not  tarry 
long.  I  pressed  him  to  do  his  duty,  and  come  out  and 
live  for  God.  May  conviction  drive  him  to  his  closet 
and  to  his  knees,  until  he  find  the  reviving  influences 
of  the  Spirit. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  269 

"  Endeavored  to  arouse  two  fellow-students  to  more 
life — alas  !  for  professors  of  religion  here, 

"  28lh. — Spent  part  of  last  evening  in  visiting  the 

poor  with  brother .     One  poor  old  colored  man, 

whom  we  found  in  deep  happy  poverty,  seemed  near 
to  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  He  said,  among  other 
things,  that  he  had  rather  be  as  he  was,  with  Jesus  in 
his  soul,  than  to  be  a  king  upon  a  throne. 

"  At  evening  devotion,  read  a  part  of  the  last  chap- 
ter of  John.  To  the  question,  '  Lovest  thou  me?'  I 
could  appeal  to  the  Lord  with  melting  of  soul.  Hen- 
ry's remarks  were  profitable.  I  fell  before  the  throne, 
and  had  a  longing  for  souls — I  thirsted  to  bring  souls 
to  Christ.  I  groaned  to  win  souls,  and  almost  with 
agony  pleaded  to  have  souls  for  my  hire.  I  think  1 
felt  willing  to  lay  out  my  life  for  souls.  Money  is  not 
what  I  desire.  Souls,  souls,  I  want  souls.  '  Give  me 
children,'  was  my  cry,  and  I  wept  with  desire  to  say 
at  last,  '  Here  am  I,  Lord,  and  the  children  thou  hast 
given  me.' 

"  I  left  my  plea  before  the  Lord  for  the  coming  Sab- 
bath, when  I  expect  to  go  out  to  my  little  meeting — 
may  preparation  for  the  seed  be  made  by  some  fore- 
runner— may  the  seed  be  sowed  skillfully,  sink  deep, 
take  root,  and  spring  up,  and  bear  fruit. 

"  Feb.  7. — On  Friday  concluded  on  a  subject  for 
Saturday  night,  on  which  to  speak  to  the  congregation 
that  expected  me.  Went  and  delivered  my  message, 
after  a  rich  visitation  from  God,  at  evening  devotion  ; 
and  it  proved  a  message  of  God  to  souls.  Yesterday 
was  the  Sabbath,  and  it  was  a  day  of  rest  to  me,  al- 
though I  labored  for  God.  Anticipating  my  meeting 
in  the  afternoon  and  evening,  I  committed  my  cause 
23'^ 


270  MEMOIR    OF 

to  God.  Having  come  from  worship  in  the  hall,  I 
mused,  and  the  fire  burned— I  waited  upon  God,  and 
he  heard  my  prayer.  Having  returned  from  dinner,  I 
again  prostrated  myself  before  God,  and  felt  less  than 
the  least — the  unworthiest  of  the  unworthy  :  thinking 
upon  my  subject  as  it  v/as  prepared,  I  concluded  it 
was  good  for  nothing,  unless  accompanied  by  the  Spi- 
rit to  the  hearts  of  the  people.  I  wrestled  with  God  for 
a  blessing.  I  Avas  burthened  with  a  desire  tbat  could 
not  be  uttered  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord.  I  felt  un- 
v/orthy  to  go  out  to  the  people,  yet  'panted  to  speak 
for  God.  I  thirsted.  I  drank ;  I  hungered,  and  was 
Jilledj  then  took  my  staff  and  traveled  on,  and  met 
the  people.  It  was  a  heart-searching  time,  as  one  en- 
gaged Christian  testified  to  me  this  morning.  The 
Lord  follow  it  with  his  blessing. 

"  Walked  to  attend  another  meeting  about  three 
miles  distant,  where  there  seemed  still  deeper  solem- 
nity, and  where  I  was  greatly  helped.  '  O  Lord,  how 
manifold  is  thy  goodness  to  thy  servant !'  'I'll  try  to 
prove  faithful.'  Felt  happy  in  God,  after  the  exercise 
of  the  day,  although  fatigued  in  body. 

"To-day  has  brought  Vv^ith  it  a  trial.  A  repeated 
request  reached  me  that  I  would  leave  college  for  a  sea- 
son, and  become  a  'yoke-fellow'  with  brother  S.,  now 
laboring  at  Springfield  in  New-Jersey,  and  where  souls 
are  joining  themselves  to  the  Lord.  Arguments,  both 
in  favor  and  against  it,  arise  in  my  mind.  I  commit- 
ted myself  and  the  decision  as  v.'ell  as  I  could  into 
God's  hands.  My  heart  went  up  to  the  great  Head  of 
the  church — the  question  arose,  Vv^hy  here  constructing 
a  triangle,  when  souls  may  be  perishing?  My  heart 
melted  and  mv  cvcs  ran  down  with  tears. 


JAMES  ERAINERD  TAYLOR.  271 

"  At  evening  devotion  I  fell  before  the  Lord,  and 
called  upon  God  my  heavenly  Father.  But  my  peti- 
tion could  not  find  utterance.  I  only  wanted  to  knov/ 
the  will  of  the  Lord  concerning  me.  This  passage 
entered  my  mind,  'Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God:' 
also,  'Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord — acknowledge 
him  in  all  thy  ways ;  and  he  shall  direct  thy  paths.' 
My  tears  were  dried  up.  After  petitioning  in  behalf 
of  brother  S.  and  the  lambs  around  him,  my  father's 
house  and  friends,  I  arose  to  praise  the  Lord.  I  was 
only  desirous  to  know  his  will ;  and  I  trust  in  him  to 
make  the  way  plain.  I  felt  willing  either  to  stay  or 
go  ai  his  command.  If  I  find  the  door  to  open  wide, 
so  as  to  let  me  pass  oui,  I  shall  consider  it  a  call  of  God 
to  go:  if  not,  I  remain  to  do  his  will  here.  'Praise  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul.' 

"I  knew  not,  nor  do  I  know  now,  what  I  should  do 
if  I  went,  but  I  felt  willing  to  do  any  thing  to  help  on 
tne  work  of  God. 

"8th.  It  is  decided.   Dr,  C.'s  negative  puts  it  out  of 

my  power  to  leave  college.     Wrote  brother  S ; 

may  my  letter  refresh  his  spirit.  Had  an  interview 
with  an  aged  brother,  who  is  a  man  full  of  faith  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost.  He  refreshed  my  soul.  O  for  a 
host  of  such  pilgrims." 

In  the  letter  to  Rev.  Mr.  S.,  after  giving  an  account 
of  his  struggle  between  inclination  and  duty,  he  thus 
writes: 

"  Since  the  decision,  I  do  not  rebel;  but  consider  it 
all  for  the  best.  I  would  gladly  have  become  your 
helper— but  enough — I  acquiesce. 


272  MEMOIR    OF 

"  Of  late  I  have  received  large  blessings  from  God. 
I  think  I  have  been  more  in  the  school  of  Christ  this 
session  than  ever  before.  And  I  have  never  had  such 
evidences  of  being  called  of  God  to  spend  for  him — nor 
such  breaking  of  souls  to  do  the  work  of  an  evangelist. 
Yes :  I  have  fell  desirous  to  live  only  to  bring  souls  to 
Christ.  I  have  been  strengthened  of  the  Lord  to  bear 
testimony  both  to  saints  and  sinners — and  the  Lord 
has  owned  the  word.  Direct  effort  is  against  wind 
and  tide.  And  besides,  a  student's  influence  is  too 
cheap  where  they  abound.  I  long  to  see  more  devo- 
tedness  among  the  students  of  the  theological  semina- 
ry. Every  tliird  Sabbath  I  attend  a  meeting  three  miles 
distant,  and  generally  once  or  twice  a  week  I  talk  iri 
town.  Every  thing  goes  on  pleasantly ;  I  spend  my 
time  with  but  few,  except  the  indigent,  the  inquiring, 
and  engaged  Christians.  Yet  I  am  nothing  but  a  sin- 
ner saved  by  grace.  But  this  one  thing  I  know,  that 
'God  is  love' — that  I  love  God,  and  am  loved  of  him; 
and  should  I  deny  it,  I  should  deny  the  clearest  de- 
monstration ever  made  to  my  faith  and  feelings.  '  AU 
praise  to  Him  that  sitteth  on  the  throne.'" 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  H.,  Mr.  Taylor  wrote  on  the  13th 
February,  as  foUov/s: 

"  That  which  has  mostly  occupied  my  mind  this  ses- 
sion, is  a  due  preparation  for  the  Gospel  ministry. 
While  I  have  given  literary  acquirements  their  due, 
the  best  gifts  have  been  earnestly  coveted.  My  call  of 
God  has  appeared  to  me  more  and  more  clear,  and  my 
soul  has  burned  with  desire  to  win  souls  to  Christ 
For  this,  and  this  alone,  I  have  v^nshed  to  live,  and 
to  accomplish  this  I  have  felt  willing  to  live  a  thou- 


JAMES  BRAIN ERD  TAYLOR.  273 

sand  years.  I  have  longed  to  live  and  preach  the  Gos- 
pel ;  and  I  felt  that  God  vi'-as  either  anoiiiting  me  for 
his  work  on  earth,  or  for  a  speedier  flight  to  heaven. 
While  willing  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ,  I  still 
strongly  desired  to  preach  the  Gospel.  At  the  same 
time,  rather  than  go  out  without  the  approbation  of  the 
great  Head  of  preachers,  I  would  retire  in  silence, 
weep  in  secret,  and  there  wait  my  appointed  change. 

"  On  a  certain  occasion — let  me  tell  you — on  a  cer- 
tain occasion,  when,  in  answer  to  my  prayer,  the  hea- 
vens were  opened  and  let  down  '  peace  like  a  river ' — 
I  left  this  solicitude  to  preach  the  Gospel  remaining, 
and  yet  feared  that  I  might  not.  Like  a  little  child,  I 
looked  up  and  said.  Father,  am  I  a  chosen  vessel  to 
preach  the  Gospel  ?  My  dear  friend,  whether  it  was 
an  answer  in  the  affirmative  or  not,  judge  thou;  but 
at  that  moment  there  came  over  me  what  I  must 
leave  to  another  world  to  furnish  a  name  for.  I  was 
no  more  solicitous,  nor  have  I  been  since,  whether  1 
should  live  to  preach  the  Gospel  or  not. 

"I  feel  that  I  have  been  in  the  school  of  Christ 
where  I  nov/  am:  1.  as  a  Probationer.  Thus  were  the 
disciples,  before  they  were  commissioned  and  sent  out 
to  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel.  While  with 
Christ,  their  conduct  was  held  up  to  the  world — to 
angels— before  the  Lord  himself.  They  were  proved. 
1  Tim.  3  :  10. 

"2.  I  am  in  the  act  of  preparing.  The  disciples 
went  through  a  training.  They  were  brought  up  at  the 
feet  of  the  great  Teacher  in  Israel,  whose  perfect  ex- 
ample was  proposed  for  their  imitation.  They  were 
his  intimates  too,  and  held  communion  with  him.  And 
he  taught  them  lessons  in  theology,  upon  which,  as  a 


274  MEMOIR    OF 

basis,  all  the  minister's  furniture  should  rest ;  for  it 
the  superstructure  be  not  on  this  Rock,  who  will  in- 
sure it  in  the  day  of  God's  wrath  ?  The  apostles  re- 
ceived a  commission  to  go  out  for  a  season ;  and  this 
seemed  as  a  trial  and  preparation  too.  At  length,  in. 
Christ's  last  command,  they  received  more  power,  and 
had  a  broader  seal.  God  grant  that  that  day,  to  which 
I  am  looking  forward,  may  be  as  the  day  of  my  es- 
pousals. 

"  Like  the  apostles,  I  go  out  from  time  to  time,  every 
third  Sabbath  regularly,  and  frequently  during  the  in- 
terval, to  call  lost  sinners  to  repentance.  Last  evening 
I  met  a  few  anxious  souls — plead  for  me — plead  for 
them." 

Diary.  "  Feb.  15. — Will  God  sanctify  me  to  himself 
more  than  ever  ?  O  to  live— to  labor — to  spend  all  for 
God.  Help,  Lord,  help  thy  servant,  'whom  thou  hast 
redeemed  to  thyself  by  thy  precious  blood.' 

"27th. — 'How amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O  Lord 
of  hosts  !'  Thus  I  found  them  this  morning.  My  soul 
went  out  for  the  preacher,  and  he  came  with  a  message 
for  me — I  was  blessed  indeed.  Through  most  of  the 
sermon  I  could  witness  in  my  soul  to  the  truth  de- 
livered. My  heart  leaped  within  me  for  joy.  Thus 
this  day  has  been  to  me  a  day  of  gladness.  By  and  by 
I  hope  to  rest  above. 

"March  5. —  To-day  I  trust  salvation  has  visited 
this  college.  A  young  man,  in  whom  I  have  taken  a 
lively  interest  ever  since  he  joined  us — who  has  been 
led  away  contrary  to  my  advice,  but  whom  I  have 
followed  with  the  truth  notwithstanding  his  vices,  has 
pr9fessed  hope  of  eternal  life.     Thank  the  Lord,  if  I 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  275 

have  been  in  any  way  the  means  of  bringing  him  to 
Christ.  This,  he  says,  is  the  ca^e.  This,  with  some 
cases  in  town,  seems  to  be  an  interpretation  of  my  de- 
tention from  Springfield. 

"March  10. — Returned  from  meeting  the  little  band 
of  anxious  souls,  where  I  found  two  of  our  number 
who  professed  hope.  One  seemed  full  of  peace  and 
joy.  O  what  a  change  everyway!  Others  present 
to-night,  seemed  near  to  the  kingdom ;  but  they  are 
far  off  till  they  submit.  Not  one  word  of  consolation 
has  been  offered  in  these  cases,  but  I  proceed  with 
them  as  with  others :  1.  To  induce  the  sinner  to  com- 
mit himself  on  the  subject  of  religion.  2.  When  thus 
committed,  to  show  him  the  awful  responsibility  rest- 
ing upon  him,  and  the  great  danger  of  delay.  3,  Show 
him  his  sins  against  the  law.  4.  Urging,  by  Gospel 
motives,  immediate  submission — showing  that  God 
puts  no  barrier  in  the  way  of  the  sinner's  coming  to 
Christ,  but  that  the  obstacles  are  wholly  in  himself. 
5.  That  he  grows  worse  every  hour  he  rebels  against 
God.  One  thing  particularly  recommended  was,  be- 
ing alone.  This  course  has  been  attended  with  a 
blessing.  Trembling  has  seized  some,  and  the  con- 
sequence is,  they  justify  God  and  condemn  them- 
selves." 

In  the  following  letter  Mr.  Taylor  appears  in  a 
light  most  commendable  and  worthy  of  remembrance 
and  imitation. 

"  Nassau  Hall,  March  9,  1825. 
"  IJeloved  Parents, 

"  Having  a  little  time  this  morning,  I  cheerfully  de- 
vote it  to  telling  you  of  my  affairs. 


27G  MEMOIR   OF 

"  I  am  nearly  recovered  from  a  heavy  cold  which 
confined  me  to  my  room  for  a  few  days.  The  'light 
affliction'  has  been  sanctified. 

"  You  are  now  looking  out  for  yotir  children's  pre- 
sence—waiting to  give  them  a  cordial  reception  into 
your  new  mansion.  In  times  past  we  have  hailed 
each  other  with  grateful  emotions.  The  time  before 
the  last,  what  a  melting  season  we  had  before  the 
family  altar,  soon  after  our  united  salutations.  And 
how  many  seasons  of  refreshing  have  we  enjoyed 
while  we  have  conversed,  and  sung,  and  prayed,  and 
wopt  together  ?  I  long  to  see  your  faces  again,  and 
again  tell,  and  hear  you  tell,  of  the  loving-kindness 
of  the  Lord.  Again  do  I  long  to  sit  and  kneel  beside 
that  father  who  has  watched  with  anxious  solicitude 
over  the  wandering  foot-steps  of  a  once  unruly  son. 
Again  do  I  long  to  sit  and  kneel  beside  that  mother 
whose  fostering  hand  hath  raised  a  child  for  the  world 
— for  the  church — for  God — for  heaven.  Yes,  my  dear 
parents,  I  long  to  see  your  faces,  and  be  together  bless- 
ed by  our  heavenly  Father.  Well,  shall  I  ?  Shall  my 
friends  be  gratified? 

"  You  will  remember,  that  when  at  home  last,  I  left 
you  for  a  short  time,  and  again  returned  ;  when  you 
concluded,  from  a  combination  of  circumstances,  that 
I  ought  to  return  again  to  Colchester.  You  bade  me 
'  God  speed,'  for  you  believed  that  it  was  his  will  that 
I  should  go.  Did  you  ever  regret  your  decision  1 
And  have  you  not,  even  in  pfaying  for  me,  asked  with 
this  petition,  '  Thy  will  be  done?'  Then  you  are  pre- 
pared to  let  the  Lord  and  his  church  have  me,  instead 
of  having  me  yourselves.  You  will  endure  the  disap- 
pointment for  Christ's  sake,  and  pray  forme  the  more, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAVLOR.  277 

May  this  evermore  be  your  disposition.  You  have 
given  me  up  to  God  by  frequent  surrenders.  Now  you 
will  not  take  me  back  again.  No,  you  would  not  take 
me  out  of  his  hands.  You  would  not  take  me  from  his 
disposal,  if  you  could.  Rather  would  you  say,  should 
we  never  more  see  our  son  James,  the  Lord  lead  him 
— the  Lord  use  him — the  Lord  be  glorified  by  and 
through  him. 

•'  It  is  probable  you  will  not  see  me  the  ensuing  va- 
cation ;  and  for  several  reasons :  not  because  I  cannot 
cross  the  rivers  and  hills  that  intervene ;  not  because 
I  am  straitened  in  circumstances }  not  because  I  want 
affection  ;  no  ;  but  because  a  Macedonian  cry  seema 
to  come  from  another  quarter.  My  friend  Mr.  S.  has 
writen  me  thrice^  and  as  often  urged  me  to  leave  col- 
lege and  go  to  his  aid.  He  wished  me  to  become  his 
'yoke-fellow'  for  a  season.  He  is  now  waiting  im- 
patiently for  my  arrival.  I  did  not  leave  college.  To-* 
day  I  have  received  a  verbal  request  from  him. 

"  The  Lord  is  blessing  his  labors,  and  he  wishes  me 
to  be  with  him.  I  may  say  it  to  you,  but  not  to  every 
one,  he  has  such  confidence  in  me  as  to  make  me  hia 
companion.  By  associating  with  him  during  vacation j 
1  may  learn  many  important  lessons,  which,  if  I  visited 
Middle  Haddam,  might  be  for  ever  lost  to  me  and  to 
the  church.  This  region  seems  to  be  the  harvest-field 
at  present.  Laborers  are  wanted.  I  am  drawn  to  him. 
Were  I  to  go  to  Connecticut  with  my  -present  convic- 
iions  of  duty,  I  should  be  unhappy.  Thus,  with  all 
the  affection  of  an  affectionate  son,  I  have  now  to 
leave  father  and  mother,  brothers  and  sisters,  and  go 
forth.  My  own  inclination  would  be  to  see  you ;  but 
for  Christ's  sake  I  must  leave  all  and  folloAv  him. 

24  J.  B.  Taylor, 


278  MEMOIR    OF 

"From  these  considerations,  while  you  are  disap- 
pointed do  not  murmur,  but  pray  the  more  for  me. 
You  have  encouragement  to  pray  for  me  and  my  suc- 
cess. The  Lord  hath  already  heard  you.  He  hath 
prospered  me. 

"During  the  present  session,  God  hath  been  with 
me,  and  blessed  me,  and  made  me  a  blessing.  Brother 
F.  will  tell  you  of  the  conversion  of  five  souls  over 
whom  I  have  rejoiced.  Praise  the  Lord  for  his  good- 
ness.   The  Lord  bless  my  father  and  mother. 

"As  ever,  your  affectionate  son,  James." 

"  To  a  Friend. 

"  March  30,  1825. 

"  You  speak  of  ministers'  dying.  How  mighty  their 
responsibility  !  How  awful  the  account  of  the  un- 
godly minister  !  I  have  felt  of  late,  willing  to  live  a 
long  life  to  be  a  co-worker  with  God.  When  I  look 
around  upon  candidates  for  the  holy  ministry,  what 
shall  I  say  ?  The  Lord  answer  the  prayer  of  his  hand- 
maid. 'May  you  indeed  be  an  exception  from  maiiy^ 
who,  in  preparation  for  the  glorious  work  before  them, 
lose  their  ardor,  which,  as  laborers  in  Christ's  vine- 
yard, they  particularly  need.'  I  doubt  not  but  this  will 
be  your  oft  repeated  and  continued  prayer  for  me. 

"  The  reason,  in  my  humble  opinion,  why  profes- 
sors of  religion  in  our  colleges  and  theological  semi- 
naries are  not  more  alive  to  God,  is  either,  1st,  because, 
if  they  brought  Christ  with  them  when  they  came, 
they  have  not  been  careful  to  walk  in  him  as  they  had 
received  him,  and  so  have  stepped  aside,  and  were  im- 
mediately out  of  the  way ;  or,  2d,  if  they  had  Christ 
in  them  the  hope  of  glory,  and  dethroned  him,  if  I  may 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  279 

SO  speak  J  they  have  not  been  engaged  to  enthrone  him 
again  ;  or,  3d,  and  most  of  all,  because,  notwithstand- 
ing their  name  to  live,  they  are  still,  as  they  have  ever 
been,  dead — nay,  twice  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins. 

"  I  know  you  take  an  interest  in  my  prosperity.  And 
to  encourage  you  still  to  pray,  I  can  tell  you,  I  do  pros- 
per. God  prospers  me.  The  right  hand  of  God  ig 
stretched  out  for  me,  and  victory  turns  on  his  side — 
on  my  side — on  our  side-^yes^  the  Lord  is  for  us. 

"  '  Not  of  myself,  but  of  the  grace  of  God  bestowed, 
upon  me,  I  will  glory ;  not  of  myself,  but  of  the  grace 
of  God  in  me  I  will  glory.'  And  if,  by  that  grace  upon 
and  in  me,  good  hath  been  done  to  others,  let  the  Au- 
thor be  magnified.  And  I  will  hope  to  be  blessed  with 
the  blessedness  of  one  who,  though  under  God  he  may 
have  turned  one  sinner  from  the  error  of  his  ways,  yel 
is  ready  to  own  himself  an  unprofitable  servant. 

"  April  2,  1825. — Yesterday  was  much  indisposed — 
mused  upon  my  state — thought  that  soon  I  should  be 
cold  in  the  grave,  and  that  possibly  the  present  indis- 
position might  terminate  in  death.  This  passage  oc- 
curred :  '  Set  thy  house  in  order.'  1  felt  that  I  wanted 
one  piece  of  furniture — a  broken,  a  pure  heart.  Blessed 
be  God,  he  gave  me  what  I  wanted.  I  felt  that  I  was 
cleansed — that  my  house  was  in  order — that  I  was 
ready ^  meet,  on  my  way  to  glory.  1  had  a  spirit  of 
prayer  for  the  lambs  of  my  little  fold.  Whatever  be- 
came of  me,  I  desired  for  them  a  holy  life.  They 
seemed  precious  to  me  as  the  apple  of  my  eye. 

"  From  the  means  used  last  night,  feel  much  better 
to-day.  Will  the  Lord  restore  me  fully  to  health? 
'  Nevertheless,  not  my  will.'.  While  I  live,  1  would  be 


280  MEMOIR   OF 

■well,  that  I  might  do  the  more  for  God.  But  he  knows 
what  is  best,  and  that  is  best  for  me. 

"  5th. — Called  on  Miss  W ,  who  seems  stronger, 

and  yet  stronger  in  the  faith.  From  her  testimony  I 
believe  she  is  a  child  of  God.  After  much  counsel  I 
parted  from  her,  not  expecting  to  see  her  again  before 
she  returns  home.  God  Almighty  protect  her.  God  our 
Father  keep  her  from  the  evil  one,  sanctify  her  wholly, 
and  make  her  useful."  x 

To  this  lamb  of  the  flock  of  Christ,  brought  into  the 
fold  by  the  blessing  of  God  upon  Mr.  Taylor's  labors, 
he  wrote  the  following  letter  of  instructions  and  ex- 
hortation, which  not  only  shows  how  well  he  waa 
qualified  already  for  that  holy  ofRce  which  he  so  ar- 
dently desired,  but  affords  much  that  demands  the  at- 
tention of  young  converts,  and  may  be  useful  to  Chris- 
tians in  every  stage  of  their  progress  to  heaven  ;  while 
it  exhibits  another  trait  of  Mr,  Taylor's  character,  viz. 
his  tender  solicitude  that  those  who  had  been  brought 
into  the  church  through  his  instrumentality  should  be 
eminently  pious  : 

"  Nassau-Hall,  April  5,  1825. 
«  Miss  Sarah, 

"  '  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  the  Fa- 
ther, and  from  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  gave  him- 
self for  our  sins,  that  he  might  deliver  us  from  this 
present  evil  world,  according  to  the  will  of  God  oui 
Father;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.    Amen.' 

"  If  an  apology  for  this  epistle  were  necessary,  I 
could  say,  God  is  my  witness  how  I  have  ceased  not 
in  attempting  to  bring  you  to  Christ,  by  conversation, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  281 

exhortation,  argument,  watching,  prayers,  and  tears. 
And  now,  having  come  to  the  Lamb  of  God  that  tak- 
eth  away  the  sin  of  the  world,  you  will  doubtless  still 
bear  with  me. 

"  But  a  few  days  since  you  were  gay,  thoughtless, 
and  unconcerned  ;  a  lover  of  pleasure  more  than  a  lover 
of  God  ;  averse  to  serious  conversation ;  but  in  the  good 
providence,  and  by  the  grace  of  God,  you  were  led  to 
think  on  your  ways,  to  turn  your  feet  to  the  testimo- 
nies of  the  Lord,  and  to  make  haste  and  delay  not  to 
keep  his  commandments.  If  asked  whence  you  came, 
you  would  answer,  '  He  brought  me  also  out  of  a  hor- 
rible pit — out  of  the  miry  clay — and  set  my  feet  upon 
a  rock,  and  established  my  goings.  And  he  hath  put 
a  new  song  into  my  mouth;  even  praise  to  our  God.' 

"  How  does  that  horrible  pit  and  miry  clay,  whence 
you  have  professedly  come  out,  appear  to  you?  Could 
I  hear  your  reply,  I  doubt  not  it  would  be,  '  0  that  my 
head  were  waters,  and  mine  eyes  a  fountain  of  tears, 
that  I  might  weep  day  and  night  over' — ah,  you  well 
remember  what — you  remember  the  years  that  have 
rolled  away — you  call  to  mind  the  gayety  and  mirth 
of  former  days — you  remember  the  misspent  hours  in 
the  fashionable  circle — in  the  ball-room — the  misspent 
Sabbaths — the  lost  opportunities,  when  you  might  and 
ought  to  have  turned  to  God ;  and  you  now  see  how 
much  you  have  lost  by  being  a  votary  of  the  world  in- 
stead of  yielding  obedience  to  God.  O  Miss  Sarah, 
how  much  treasure  you  might  have  laid  up  in  heaven, 
had  you  been  as  active  for  your  soul's  salvation  as  you 
have  been  to  seek  your  own  pleasures  ;  upon  all  of 
which  you  now  write  'vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit.' 

"  Having  had  your  feet  set  upon  the  rock  Christ,,  if 
24* 


282  MEMOIR    OF 

I  mistake  not,  you  are  not  ashamed  of  Jesus  :  and  why 
should  you  be  ashamed  of  him?  Is  he  not  God  your 
Savior — your  Redeemer,  your  all?  Is  he  not  your 
Prophet,  Priest,  and  King?  Your  Shepherd,  elder 
Brother,  Friend,  and  Judge?   Ashamed  of  Jesus? 

*  No,  when  I  blush,  be  this  my  shame, 
That  I  no  more  revere  his  name.' 

Sing  then  of  his  loving-kindness.  His  loving-kindness, 
O  how  free !  how  great !  how  strong  !  how  good  !  It 
changes  not ;  may  you  celebrate  it  in  death,  and  be- 
yond time. 

"  Said  the  Psalmist,  '  Come  and  hear,  all  ye  that 
fear  God,  and  I  will  declare  what  he  hath  done  for  my 
soul.'  In  secret  we  may  consider  and  celebrate  the 
loving-kindness  of  the  Lord.  In  public,  on  proper  oc- 
casions, we  may  declare  it  forth;  'for  he  is  good,  and 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.' 

"  To  me  the  whole  duty  of  man  seems  to  be  epito- 
mized in  this,  '  Walk  before  me  and  be  thou  perfect.' 
It  is  more  explicit  in  the  following:  '  Thou  shalt  love 
the  Lord  thy  God,'  how  much?  'with  all  thy  heart, 
and  soul,  and  mind,  and  strength.  And  ihou  shalt  love 
^hy  neighbor  as  thyself.  On  these  two  commandments 
hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets.'  In  giving  such  a 
command,  did  not  Jesus  appreciate  the  necessity  of 
love  to  God  in  the  highest  degree?  Are  they  not  the 
words  of  Christ  himself?  O  that  Christians  would  du- 
ly consider  the  privilege  of  enjoying,  not  merely  for 
an  hour,  but  through  life,  the  degree  of  love  spoken  of 
by  the  beloved  disciple.  1  John,  4  :  18. 

"  Miss  Sarah,  hov/  much  soever  others  may  lose  by 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  283 

Standing  idle,  or  wandering  away  from  duty,  may  it 
be  yours — and  may  it  be  mine — to  press  forward  into 
the  fullness  of  this  love.  '  For  this  cause  I  bow  my 
knees  unto  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of 
whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is  named, 
that  he  would  grant  yoit  according  to  the  riches  of  his 
glory  to  be  strengthened  with  might  by  his  Spirit  m 
the  inner  man  ;  that  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  heart 
by  faith  ;  that  you,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in  love, 
may  be  able  to  comprehend,  with  all  saints,  what  is 
the  length,  and  breadth,  and  depth,  and  height,  and  to 
know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge, 
that  you  might  be  Jilled  with  all  the  fullness  of  God. 
And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly.  And 
t  pray  God  your  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and  body  be 
preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.'  Would  the  apostle  pray  for  an  impossibility  ? 
And  he  adds,  '  Faithful  is  he  that  calieth  you,  who  also 
will  ^o  lU  Believest  thou  this?  According  to  your 
faith  be  it  unto  you. 

"  This  appears  to  me  to  be  the  reason  why  souls 
born  of  God  for  the  most  part  are  no  more  sanctified: 
they  are  too  soon  satisfied  v;ith  a  '  name  to  live.'  They 
forget  that  there  is  no  truce  in  this  war — that  to  lay 
down  the  armor  is  to  be  vanquished.  Hence,  however 
well  they  may  have  begun,  laying  aside  their  armor, 
dismissing  their  watch,  neglecting  to  pray,  they  are 
overcome,  and  become  again  entangled  with  the  world 
— lose  their  evidence  of  pardon — are  thrown  into  dark- 
ness, and  delaying  to  return  from  their  backsliding, 
they  wander  wretched  and  forlorn.  Shall  I  ask?  But 
how  appalling  the  thought  that  you  shall  ever  fall  from 
your  steadfastness  !  Miss  Sarah,  shall  your  closet  ever 


284  MEMOIR    OF 

testify  against  you?  Will  your  heart  ever  be  frozen 
into  the  adamantine  hardness  of  some,  who  were  once 
melted  into  love  and  tenderness  ?  Shall  the  hearts  ot 
your  praying  friends — your  Christian  friends,  who 
have  wept  and  wrestled  on  your  behalf,  bleed  over 
your  love  of  the  world  ?  Shall  angels  witness,  after 
your  determination  to  come  out  from  the  world,  your 
retrograde  steps  ?  O  shall  Jesus  ever  be  wounded  by 
you,  his  professed  friend  and  follower?  Shall  the 
world,  who  are  watching  you  with  eagles'  eyes, 
be  gratified  with  one  word  or  action  whereby  they 
may  triumph  ?  Shall  the  church  be  disappointed — the 
church  below,  who  are  looking  after  a  full  devotedness 
of  yourself  to  God,  both  in  prosperity  and  adversity- 
sickness  and  health — life  and  death?  The  church 
above,  those  angel  bands — those  blood-washed  souls 
in  the  paradise  of  God,  who  are  waiting  to  welcome 
the  faithful  ? 

'■^  Suffer  the  word  of  exhortation  : — Whatever  others 
do  or  say,  (I  mean  professors  of  religion,)  whatever 
others  may  think  sufficient  to  bring  them  to  heaven — 
let  it  be  well  fixed  in  your  mind  that  it  will  cost  some- 
thing to  be  a  Christian.  Having  begun,  may  you  con- 
tinue, and  may  you  end  well.  To  stimulate  you  to  ac 
tion — to  urge  you  on  the  way — is  the  object  of  this 
communication.  I  need  not  tell  you  of  ray  solicitude 
that  you  should  walk  worthy  of  your  high  vocation  ; 
you  have  already  had  it  evinced.  '  Give,  then,  all  dili- 
gence to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure.'  Add  to 
your  faith  virtue,  and  all  the  Christian  graces.  '  Love 
not  the  world,  nor  the  things  of  the  world.'  |I3^  '  Be 
clothed  with  humility?  '  AVatch  unto  prayer.'  '  Pray 
without  ceasirg.'    '  Deny  all  ungodliness — live  sober- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  285 

ly,  righteously,  and  godly.'  '  Deny  yourself,  take  up 
your  cross,  and  follow  Christ ;'  not  like  Peter,  afar  oJS". 
'  As  you  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  walk  in 
him,'  How  was  this?  Did  you  receive  him  in  a  state 
of  indifterence — in  unbelief — in  love  with  the  world — > 
in  pride — in  gayety — without  prayer — in  self-indul- 
gence ?  Go  back  to  that  hour — examine  the  founda- 
tion of  your  hope — see  how  you  submitted.  Follow  up 
your  course,  and  see  what  have  been  your  most  pre- 
cious seasons,  and  then  go  on  accordingly.  Finally, 
set  high,  your  standard  of  piety — not  higher  nor  lower 
than  the  Bible.  Seek  with  all  your  heart  the  mind  that 
was  in  Christ  Jesus  :  then  you  will  study  to  be  faith- 
ful to  God — faithful  to  yourself— and  faithful  to  all 
around  you. 

'•  With  solicitude  for  your  best  interests, 

"1  am,  in  the  bonds  of  the  Gospel, 
"  Yours,  &c. 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

To  the  same. 

"  April  11,  1825. 

*'  I  thank  my  God  upon  every  remembrance  of  you. 
And  this  I  pray,  that  your  love  may  abound  more  and 
more  in  knowledge  and  in  all  judgment — that  you  may 
approve  things  that  are  excellent — that  you  may  be 
sincere  and  without  offence  till  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ ; 
being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which  are 
by  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God 

"  I  rejoice  that,  under  God,  I  was  the  instrument  of 
bringing  you  to  Christ.  It  is,  indeed,  a  cause  of  hum- 
ble acknowledgment  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  that  I 


286  MEMOIR   OF 

have  been  employed  and  blessed  as  a  co-worker  with 
him. 

"  Your  prayer  to  have  the  will  of  God  done,  and  not 
yours,  is  one  after  the  pattern  of  Jesus  Christ.  And 
who  so  holy,  who  so  happy,  as  He  who  came  not  to 
do  his  own  will,  but  the  will  of  him  that  sent  him? 
Be  it  ours  on  all  occasions  to  be  conformed  to  the 
will  of  God. 

"  Here  I  would  repeat  what  you  remind  me  of  say- 
ing in  my  first  letter  :  Press  forward  into  the  fullness 
of  his  love.  I  trust  you  will — I  pray  you  may  :  but  do 
not  put  it  oflf  for  a  suitable  occasion.  Like  other  du- 
ties, like  other  blessings,  the  time  is  oiow.  Whence 
issues  the  voice,  delay?  From  the  church  above, 
or  the  church  below?  Nay,  but  from  hell — from  a 
thoughtless  world — from  soul-damning  guides  ;  from 
nominal,  lukewarm  professors,  the  cry  is  sent  forth, 
delay.  Alas  !  how  many  hear  it  and  suffer  from  it.  0/ 
you  I  hope  better  things. 

"  Hungering  and  thirsting  after  righteousness,  may 
you  be  filled. 

'  Jesus,  my  only  hope,  thy  blood  can  cleanse 
My  deepest  stains,  and  purify  my  soul 
From  all  its  native  and  contracted  guilt; 
In  that  clear  fountain  of  immortal  life 
Let  me  be  cleansed  and  thoroughly  sanctified. 
I  come,  a  helpless,  miserable  Avretch, 
And  throw  myself,  and  all  my  future  hopes, 
On  mercy  infinite ;  reject  me  not, 
Thou  Savior  of  the  sinful  race  of  man.' — Mrs.  Rowe, 

"  You  said  you  had  not  conversed  much  with  your 
friends.  To  do  this  profitably,  we  need  the  wisdom  of 


JAiME3    BRAIKERD    TAYLOR.  287 

the  serpent  and  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove.  Re- 
gard should  be  had  to  time,  place,  persons,  and  the  pe- 
culiar circumstances  of  individuals.  While  we  may 
not  have  the  opportunity  of  benefiting  others  in  con- 
versation, yet  we  may  by  example. 

'•  But  I  think,  Miss  S ,  should  you  fix  it  as  a  prin- 
ciple of  action  for  your  whole  life — for  you  have  en- 
tered upon  a  life-service — you  have  enlisted  for  the 
war — I  say,  should  you  fix  it  as  a  principle  of  action 
for  life,  so  far  as  in  you  lies,  to  benefit  every  indi- 
vidual that  approaches  you,,  it  is  probable  you  would 
not  regret  it  at  your  dying  hour.  Look  to  the  everlast- 
ing hills  for  strength.  Perhaps  you  will  conclude  that 
you  have  already  bound  yourself  to  this  by  your  oath 
at  the  communion-table.  Be  it  so ;  you  need  not  wish 
the  obligation  revoked. 

"  At  the  communion-table  !  Ah  !  has  God,  have 
angels  and  men,  beheld  you  seated  at  the  table  of  the 
Lord?    And,  did  you  siisg, 


Why  was  I  made  to  hear  thy  voice, 
And  enter  while  there's  room  V 


And  shall  I  say,  be  faithful  to  your  vows  ? 

"  As  to  doctrines,  I  would  you  were  established  firm- 
ly in  '  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.'  It  is  all 
in  the  Bible  ;  and  with  this  promise  :  '  If  any  man  will 
do  his  will,  he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine  Avhether  it 
be  of  God,  or  whether  I  speak  of  myself.'  These  are 
Christ's  words,  v/ho  says,  '  Search  the  Scriptures.' 
And  the  apostle,  '  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you 
richly  in  all  wisdom.'  Like  Apollos,  may  you  be  migh- 
ty in  the  Scriptures ;  and  agreeably  to  the  prayer  of 


28«^  MEMOIR    OF 

Christ,  be  sanctified  through  the  truth.  O  how  neces 
sary  to  be  justified  and  sanctijied  ;  for  '  without  holi- 
ness no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.''  " 

Soon  after  writing  the  above,  Mr.  Taylor  left  col- 
lege to  spend  the  spring  vacation  in  assisting  the 
Rev.  N.  C.  S.  in  a  revival  at  Rahway,  N.  J.  At  his 
arrival  he  found  the  work  going  on,  and  about  fifteen 
persons  entertaining  the  hope  that  they  had  passed 
from  death  unto  life.    Among  this  people  he  labored, 

in  conjunction  with  Mr.  S ,  about  five  weeks,  very 

much  to  their  satisfaction,  and  with  great  success. 
During  this  favored  season  the  number  of  hopeful 
converts  increased  from  fifteen  to  seventy  or  eighty, 
of  all  ages,  from  eleven  years  old  to  seventy,  and  of 
every  condition  in  life. 

To  his  brothers  K and  J ,  Mr.  Taylor  wrote 

two  letters  from  Rahway,  giving  an  account  of  the 
progress  of  the  work  of  grace  in  that  town,  in  which 
he  says : 

"  I  am  glad  to  inform  you  that  the  revival  is  in- 
creasingly interesting.  Upwards  of  sixty  have  ex- 
pressed hope.  Among  the  young  converts  is  one  sixty- 
one  years  of  age ;  among  the  anxious,  one  of  seventy. 

"  The  child  of  sixty-one  is  a  mother,  who,  with  her 
two  daughters,  became  anxious  on  the  same  day ;  and 
on  the  same  day  they  all  expressed  hope.  This  family 
I  visited,  and  they  received  me  coolly — nay  more,  they 
were  indifferent,  approaching  to  opposition.  But,  to  our 

surprise,  they  soon  secit  for  brother  S and  myself 

to  visit  them.  We  went,  and  found  them  in  deep  dis- 
tress. Judge  how  differently  they  received  us,  from  ths 


JAMES    BRAL\ERD    TAYLOR.  28^ 

manner  in  which  they  received  my  visit !  God  be 
praised.  There  is  no  opposition  worthy  of  note.  The 
work  goes  on  in  solemn  stillness. 

"  May  you  all  be  holy,  and  without  blame,  before 
him  in  love.    Affectionately,  James." 

Upon  his  return  to  college  he  wrote  as  follows  to 
the  family  at  Middle  Haddam  • 

"Nassau-Hall,  May  10,  1825. 

*  *  *  "  I  have  often  thought  of  your  delightful  situ 
ation  on  the  hill — I  have  thought  too  that  you  are  a 
house  on  a  hill,  that  cannot  be  hid.  To  shine,  we  need 
to  be  covered.  '  Be  clothed  with  humility.''  To  be 
high,  we  need  to  get  low  in  the  vale,  not  of  dejection, 
but  of  humility — '  Before  honor  is  humility.' 

"  Most  of  my  enjoyments  flow  from  a  contented 
mind,  which,  when  possessed,  is  a  '  continued  feast.' 
Not  in  the  world,  nor  from  the  world,  but  from  God, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  we  must  expect  our  happiness. 
It  is  at  the  feet  of  Jesus  we  may  find  help  in  every 
time  of  need. 

"  Since  my  return,  the  Lord  has  visited  me  with 
rich  blessings.  I  hope  he  is  ripening  me  for  his  ser- 
vice here,  and  for  his  glory  hereafter. 

"  I  think  I  never  took  more  interest  in  reading  the 
Bible  than  since  I  returned.  Revivals  of  religion  are 
a  happy  comment  upon  the  Bible.  In  reading  the  Acts 
of  the  Apostles,  read  them  in  reference  to  revivals.  In 
reading  the  epistles,  read  them  as  addressed  to  young 
converts. 

"  As  ever,  afiectionately  yours, 

"James  B.  Taylor.' 

25  J.  B.  Taylor 


290  MEMOIR   OF 

To  his  diary  we  are  indebted  for  very  much  that  Mr. 
Taylor  said,  and  did,  and  thought,  and  felt,  giving  an 
interesting  development  of  his  character,  and  the  more 
to  be  relied  upon,  because  it  was  never  designed  for 
publication,  or  even  the  inspection  of  his  friends. 

Though  in  the  conversions  which  took  place  during 

the  joint  labors  of  Mr.  S and  Mr.  Taylor  at  Rah- 

way,  there  is  evidence  that  his  efforts  were  much  bless- 
ed, yet  in  this  secret  record  of  the  matter  he  lays  no 
claim  to  distinction. 

"  May  21.— Went  with  brother  S to  Rahway, 

and  found  that,  after  his  labors  there  for  about  two 
weeks,  fifteen  had  expressed  hope.  1  became  his  as- 
sistant for  about  five  weeks,  during  which  time  the 
number  was  increased  to  seventy-five  or  eighty.  Will 
God  carry  on  his  work,  and  still  own  the  efforts  ot 

brother  S in  efl'ecting  a  greater  salvation  among 

that  people  1 

"  During  my  labors  I  had  too  much  hardness  while 
witnessing  the  displays  of  grace,  and  while  God  was 
evidently  owning  his  word.  I  often  felt  under  the  in- 
fluence of  lethargy.  The  Lord,  I  trust,  has  forgiven 
me.  But,  O  !  how  much  more  humble  and  faithful  I 
might  have  been!  There  were  seasons,  indeed,  in 
which  my  heart  was  broken  and  contrite.  I  look  upon 
this  sphere  of  labor,  and  this  opportunity  with  brother 

S ,  as  among  the  happiest,  prospectively,  in  all  my 

life.  Since  my  return,  God  has  been  gracious  to  me, 
and  afibrded  uncommon  seasons  of  communion  with 
himself,  through  Jesus  Christ.  I  have  been  enabled  to 
cast  all  my  burdens  on  the  Lord. 

In  my  walk  this  morning,  met  with  a  cross.   As  I 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  291 

was  passing  a  shop,  a  man  swore  by  the  sacred  name 
of  God.  I  passed  on.  The  query  arose,  '  Shall  I  let 
this  sin  go  unnoticed  V  I  stopped.  Many  excuses  en- 
tered my  mind — whether  from  the  devil  or  my  own 
heart,  I  cannot  determine.  At  length  this  Scripture 
presented  itself:  '  Thou  shalt  in  any  wise  rebuke  thy 
neighbor,  and  not  suffer  sin  upon  him.'  I  went  back, 
called  the  person  by  name,  and  requested  an  interview. 
We  walked  aside,  where  I  had  a  serious  talk  with  him  ; 
the  result  so  far  was  favorable. 

"June  1. — I  rejoiced  before  God  that  there  was  an 
eternity  to  come,  in  which  I  might  recount  his  good- 
ness— see  him  as  he  is — and  associate  with  saints  and 
angels.  O  how  my  heart  moved  at  the  thought  of 
meeting  some  there  who  might  recognize  in  me  a 
spiritual  father !  I  would  rather  live  than  die,  for  the 
present ;  and  this,  God  knoweth,  is  from  the  desire  of 
being,  if  he  would  qualify  me,  eminently  useful  in 
bringing  sinners  to  Christ.  Yet  if  he  were  to  call,  I 
would  go.  Methought,  how  should  I  appear,  seated 
with  the  saints  in  the  new  Jerusalem.  I  looked  for  the 
lowest  seat. 

"  Among  others,  my  friend  L.  P came  to  my 

mind.  I  think  I  never  before  pleaded  for  him  with 
such  confidence  and  submission.  My  petitions  were 
groans  which  could  not  be  uttered,  for  his  salvation. 
I  left  him,  with  myself,  in  the  hands  of  God.  He  will 
do  right ;  and  I  rejoice  that  he  is  on  the  throne. 

"  6th. — Yesterday,  the  Sabbath,  passed  for  the  most 
part  without  much  feeling  in  divine  things  till  even- 
ing devotion,  when,  singing,  I  made  melody  in  my 
heart  to  the  Lord. 

"June  9. — Evening. — To  the  honor  of  rich  grace  be 


292  MEMOIR    OF 

it  recorded,  that  God,  out  of  his  exceeding  fullness, 
hath  just  now  visited  my  soul  with  salvation.  After 
reading  the  Scriptures,  while  singing,  the  thought  of 
my  having  spoken  on  the  stage  this  evening,  when 
1  Avas  considerably  applauded,  entered  my  mind. 
Thought  I,  what  is  this?  O!  if  my  faculties  might 
be  all  on  God's  side,  it  would  be  honor.  Immediately 
my  heart  broke,  and  went  out,  not  in  self-complacence, 
but  in  self-abasement.  I  fell  upon  my  knees,  to  give 
myself  away  to  God  anew.  I  found  I  had  nothing  to 
give.  All  I  am  was  his  already.  And  besides,  I  owed 
him  ten  thousand  talents.  Then  it  occurred  to  me  to 
ask  of  God  to  consecrate  me  wholly  to  himself,  for  his 
glory.  The  petition  was  too  big  for  utterance ;  I  groan- 
ed and  wept  it  out.  I  think  I  never  had  such  an  over- 
powering willingness  to  spend  for  God.  I  felt  an  un- 
usual resignation  to  his  will:  I  felt  myself  in  his  hand. 
And  if  at  last  I  should  be  held  up  a  spectacle  to  crea- 
tion, as  a  monument  of  long-suffering  on  his  part, 
and  then  be  sent  to  hell,  I  would  Avish  to  bring  glory 
to  his  name  while  on  earth. 

"  13th. — Brother  S having  left  the  people  at 

Rahway,  O  how  I  longed  to  be  with  them  for  a  sea- 
son !  But  I  cannot.  I  cast  them  and  myself  upon  the 
Lord,  and  he  bestowed  a  rich  blessing  upon  me.  I 
sunk  into  insignificance,  while  God  was  exalted  above 
all." 

While  thus  breathing  out  his  affectionate  soul  in  be- 
half of  the  lambs  of  the  flock  at  Rahway,  Mr.  Taylor 
addressed  to  them  the  following  communication : 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  293 

*'  Nassau-Hall,  June^  1825 
"  To  the  band  of  young  converts  in  Rahway. 

•Beloved, 

"  My  having  seen  some  of  you  when  dead  in  tres- 
passes and  in  sins,  and  afterwards  when  awaken- 
ed, anxious,  and  rejoicing,  I  presume  will  be  a  suffi- 
cient apology  for  this  epistle.  But  besides  this,  I  might 
assure  you  that  the  love  of  Christ  constraineth  me. 
The  Christian  affection  and  solicitude  I  feel  towards 
you  all  draw  me  -,  and  my  regard  for  your  best  inter- 
ests calls  forth  a  line  from  my  pen. 

"  Addressing  an  epistle  to  young  converts,  the 
apostle  said  among  other  things — '  As  ye  have  there- 
fore received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  walk  ye  in  him ; 
rooted  and  built  up  in  him,  and  established  in  the  faith, 
as  ye  have  been  taught,  abounding  therein  with  thanks- 
givings.' Col.  2  :  6,  7.  Let  me  ask:  How  did  you  re- 
ceive the  Lord  Jesus  Christ?  In  impenitence,  unbe- 
lief, and  rebellion  ?  or  in  contrition,  faith,  and  submis- 
sion ?  Was  it  in  pride,  love  of  the  world,  sensuality, 
anger,  malice,  or  envy  ?  Or  in  humility,  forsaking 
the  world,  a  crucifying  the  flesh  with  its  affections  and 
lusts  ?  Was  it  with  a  determination  to  live  in  sin, 
and  so  dishonor  God  ?  or  with  the  fixed,  unalterable 
determination  to  wage  war  with  sin,  to  overcome  sin, 
and  to  honor  God  by  forsaking  every  sin  7  Methinks 
I  hear  one  and  another  say,  '  You  have  touched  a  point 
in  my  experience.  Thus  it  was  I  received  Christ 
Jesus  the  Lord.'  What  a  combination  of  appellation 
and  office  is  wound  up  in  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God ! 
Christ — anointed,  sent  and  set  apart  to  execute  his 
office  as  mediator  J  Jesus — Savior  j  Lord — the  proprie- 
25* 


294  MEMOIR   OF 

tor  and  ruler  of  all.  When  you  received  him,  did  you 
take  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord  in  all  his  offices  ?  Then 
walk  ye  in  him.  Here,  as  in  a  journey,  before  we 
proceed  we  must  get  in  the  way. 

"  'Rooted  and  built  up  in  him.'  In  this  we  see  the 
necessity  of  being  confirmed  Christians.  A  tree  should 
take  deep  root,  for  two  reasons :  that  it  may  outstand 
every  storm,  and  that  it  may  receive  the  more  nourish- 
ment. A  house  built  on  a  sandy  foundation  is  in 
danger  of  soon  falling.  The  hope  not  founded  on  the 
Rock  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  will  be  soon  swept 
away. 

"  '  And  established  in  the  faith.'  Are  there  babes  in 
Christ  ?  so  are  there  young  and  old  men  in  Christ.  As 
one  is  born,  not  always  to  remain  a  babe,  but  to  grow 
up  to  manhood,  so  babes  in  Christ  should  grow  up  into 
Christ  to  the  stature  of  perfect  men.  Once  the  wide- 
spread oak  was  shut  up  in  the  acorn  ;  afterwards  it 
shot  above  the  earth  ;  now  it  attracts  the  notice  of  the 
eye. 

"  '  In  the  laith  as  ye  have  been  taught.'  Besides  the 
experience  of  others,  you  have  the  witness  within 
yourselves  to  testify  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Bible.  As 
high  as  the  Bible,  and  no  higher,  are  we  to  set  our 
standard  of  believing.  With  the  Bible  in  our  hand, 
and  God's  teaching,  we  may  come  at  the  truth  as  it 
is  in  Jesus. 

"'Abounding  therein  with  thanksgiving.'  That 
there  is  such  a  thing  as  being  deficient,  nay  empty,  in 
religious  experience,  look  at  professors  of  religion  here 
and  there.  Do  you  find  them  all  '  full  of  faith  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  V  Do  you  find  a  family  altar  in  every 
house  where  religion  is  professed  ?   Do  you  behold  Is- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  295 

raelites  indeed,  in  whom  there  is  no  guile,  in  all  who 
go  around  the  communion-table,  and  have  their  names 
in  the  church  book?  Judge  ye  of  the  walk  and  con- 
versation of  many  who  bear  the  Christian  name,  and 
ask,  '  Shall  I  too  be  a  deficient,  empty,  formal,  luke- 
warm disciple  V  Ah,  my  friends,  I  hope  better  things 
of  you.  I  hope  God,  angels,  and  saints  in  heaven,  and 
the  church  on  earth,  will  witness  in  you  a  walk  ac- 
cording to  godliness ;  a  firmness  and  stability  of  cha- 
racter worthy  of  such  a  hope,  such  a  profession,  such 
obligations  as  yours.  And  then  you  will  abound  too 
in  thanksgiving  that  your  eyes  were  open  to  see,  your 
ears  unstopped  to  hear,  and  your  heart  broken  to  feel 
the  joys  of  sins  forgiven. 

"Having  just  entered  upon  the  race,  you  have  it  to 
run,  'run  with  patience.'  Having  to  fight,  '  put  on  the 
whole  armor  of  God;'  for  the  world,  the  flesh,  and 
the  devil  are  arrayed  against  you.  Are  you  discour- 
aged ?  Does  your  soul  draw  back  at  the  distance  ?  at 
the  contest?  Why  art  thou  cast  down?  Satan  would 
have  you  so.  The  world,  who  are  looking  at  and 
watching  you  with  an  eagle's  eye,  would  have  you 
draw  back,  or  fall  back  from  your  steadfastness.  But 
'  give  no  place  to  the  devil.'  Come  out  from  the  world 
and  say,  '  In  the  name  of  the  Lord,  I  will  destroy  them 
ail :'  for,  through  Christ  strengthening  him,  'what  can- 
not the  Christian  do?  And  does  not  the  assurance 
sound  from  the  word,  '  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee  V 

"You  recollect  the  season  of  our  last  interview.  I 
think  I  shall  never  forget  it.  It  was  apparently  a  hea- 
venly place  in  Christ  Jesus.  And  have  you  found  the 
'  God  of  love  and  peace '  with  you  ?  I  doubt  not  that 
you  have,  if  you  have  been  of  '  one  mind '  to  seek  a 


296  MEMOIR   OP 

high  attainment  in  the  divine  life,  '  adding  to  your 
faith  virtue,''  and  have  kept  all  the  Christian  graces  ia 
exercise.  And  if  you  still  ''grow  in  grace  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ,^ 
you  will  abound  more  and  more  in  the  consolations  of 
the  Gospel.  For  the  sake  of  Christ,  then — for  the  sake 
of  the  church,  which  is  his  body,  and  which  he  has 
purchased  with  his  own  blood,  and  for  which  he  in- 
tercedes— for  the  sake  of  your  pastor,  who  prays  for 
your  prosperity — and  for  the  sake  of  those  who  have 
labored  among  you — and  for  your  own  sakes,  I  pray 
you  to  be  uncommon  Christians  ;  that  is,  be  eminent- 
ly holy — self-denying — cross-hearing— Bible — every- 
day Christians. 

"  You  may  walk  in  Christ,  be  '  rooted  and  huilt  zip 
in  him.^  You  may  '  exercise  yourselves  unto  godli- 
ness, and  be  perfect,  of  one  mind,  live  in  peace,  be  of 
good  comfort,  and  have  the  God  of  love  and  peace  with 
you.'  It  is  that  to  which  every  one  of  you  may  attain. 
It  is — O  yes,  it  is  your  high  privilege — yes,  it  is  your 
duty  to  attain  unto  it ;  and  moreover,  it  is  for  your  in- 
terest ;  for  when  are  you  the  happiest,  when  worldly 
or  spiritual,  when  earthly  or  heavenly-minded  ?  Shall 
I  repeat  what  you  have  so  often  assented  to  as  duty, 
and  in  the  performance  of  which  your  souls  have  been 
so  much  blessed  ?  I  mean,  shall  I  say,  live  to  God  in 
secret — examine  your  hope — try  your  experience  ? 
Leave  these  duties  unperformed  for  a  day  or  a  week, 
and  see  where  you  would  be  found.  Rather,  would  I 
say,  do  not  try  the  experiment ;  for  it  has  undermined 
many  hopes,  nay,  is  one  strong  evidence  of  a  bad  hope ; 
viz.  the  neglect  of  duty,  and  this  neglect  unattended 
with  remorse  and  renewed  submission  to  God. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  297 

"  Shall  I  repeat,  that  the  cords  of  Christian  aifec- 
tion  bind  me  to  you  ?  The  remembrance  of  you  has 
associated  with  it  some  of  my  sweetest  moments  :  and 
I  have  rejoiced  in  the  thought  that  an  eternity  is  to 
come,  in  which  I  shall  have  the  opportunity  of  seeing 
you,  and  rejoicing  with  you.  Until  then,  if  we  con- 
verse no  more  on  earth,  we  will  hope  to  meet  around 
our  Father's  board,  and  sing  'Hallelujah  for  ever  and 
ever.' 

"  I  presume  you  continue  to  meet  for  social  prayer 
and  praise  as  usual.  May  you  be  knit  together  more 
and  more — may  your  hearts  be  united  to  fear,  to  love, 
and  serve  the  Lord.  Not  only  for  yourselves  must  you 
feel  interested,  but  for  those  with  whom  you  are  asso- 
ciated. Your  affectionate  but  infirm  pastor,  whom  you 
cherish  with  new  emotions,  calls  for  your  prayers ; 
your  pious  friends — your  companions  whom  you  left 
behind,  to  take  their  pleasure  in  the  world — your  fathers 
and  mothers — your  children — your  brothers  and  sisters, 
who  are  left  while  you  have  been  taken.  O!  how 
much  have  you  to  do ;  and  what  you  would  do  for  God, 
for  yourselves,  for  your  pious  and  for  your  ungodly 
friends,  must  be  done  quickly,  for  '  the  tim.e  is  short? 
Soon,  you  will  go  hence — soon,  they  will  be  here  no 
more.  Who  of  us  would  see  a  friend  or  relative  of 
ours  go  down  under  the  wrath  of  God  ?  Ah  !  when 
the  sound  '■farewell '  shall  echo  at  the  bar  of  God 
— when  an  impenitent  child  shall  take  a  last  linger- 
ing look  of  a  pious  saved  parent,  and  sigh  '  farewell ' 
— when  parents  shall  sink  from  the  view  of  pious 
children — when  brothers  and  sisters  shall  part  to 
meet  no  more,  may  we  stand  spotless,  and  without 


298  MEMOIR   OF 

their  blood  hanging  about  us.    Finally,  let  our  song 
ever  be. 


•  I'll  try  to  prove  faithful, 

*  Till  we  all  arrive  at  home. 


"  Yours,  in  the  best  of  bonds, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

This  address  to  young  converts  suggests  some 
thoughts  which  are  worthy  of  the  practical  regard,  not 
only  of  those  who  are  just  commencing  the  Christian 
life,  but  of  ministers  and  older  Christians. 

No  one,  who  has  his  senses  so  exercised  as  to  be 
capable  of  judging  in  the  case,  can  be  blind  to  the 
melancholy  truth,  that  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer  has 
suflfered  sadly  from  the  want  of  that  deep  toned  con- 
sistent piety  which  is  attainable  by  every  one  who  has 
been  born  from  above.  The  opinion  has  indeed  pre- 
vailed to  a  great  extent,  and  is  still  entertained  by 
many,  that  the  freshness  and  fervor  of  the  first  love  of 
young  Christians  must  of  necessity  pass  away,  and 
give  place  to  darkness,  and  uncertainty,  and  coldness. 
Most  disastrous  have  been  the  eflfects  of  this  opinion 
upon  the  growth  in  holiness  and  usefulness  of  the 
church;  and  instead  of  shining  brighter  and  brighter 
to  the  perfect  day,  her  light  has  been  often  obscured, 
her  hopes  enfeebled,  and  her  influence  neutralized. 
Instead  of  a  vigorous,  healthful  action,  her  conduct 
has  been  fitful,  and  her  very  life  an  alternation  of 
spasm  and  collapse  ;  at  one  time,  all  zeal  and  devoted- 
ness,  and  again  chilling  all  around  with  indiflference. 

Now  it  is  perfectly  manifest  that  neither  the  apos- 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  299 

ties  nor  their  Master  ever  countenanced  or  encouraged 
such  a  life  in  his  followers.  "  Nevertheless,"  said  our 
Lord  to  the  church  of  Ephesus,  "  I  have  someichat 
against  thee,  because  thou  hast  left  thy  first  love.  Re- 
member therefore  from  whence  thou  art  fallen,  and  re- 
pent, and  do  the  first  works :  or  else  I  will  come  unto 
thee  quickly,  and  remove  thy  candlestick  out  of  his 
place,  except  thou  repent."  In  this  passage  we  have 
set  before  us  the  evil  and  the  remedy.  If  a  declension 
in  the  fervor  of  piety  and  the  strength  of  faith — if  leav- 
ing their  first  love,  by  Christians,  must  be  repented  of^ 
then  is  such  conduct  offensive  to  God,  prejudicial  to 
his  cause,  and  injurious  to  the  souls  of  men.  Every 
sin  is  offensive  to  God — but  this  sin  necessarily  pre- 
judices his  cause  with  sinners,  and  consequently  in- 
jures their  souls  ;  and  the  only  remedy  is  repentance. 
But  every  Christian  has  a  security  against  this  evil, 
in  the  abundant  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which, 
according  to  divine  promise,  may  be  attained  through 
faith,  and  watchfulness,  and  prayer.  Let  every  Chris- 
tian, therefore,  come  boldly  to  the  throne  of  grace,  that 
he  may  obtain  mercy  and  find  grace  to  help  in  the  time 
of  need. 

Until  the  church  shall  unlearn  the  lesson  so  often 
taught  by  good,  but  mistaken  fathers  and  mothers  in 
Israel,  that  the  excitement  attended  upon  conversion 
musthe.  succeeded  by  depression  and  doubt — until  mi- 
nisters and  members  of  the  church  practically  learn  that 
their  power  of  doing  good  is  in  proportion  to  their  holi- 
ness— there  is  no  reason  to  expect  the  universal  tri- 
umph of  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness.  It  is 
impossible  that  the  wise  and  benevolent  King  of  Zion 
should  ever  subdue  the  world  to  himself  through  the 


300  MEMOIR   OF 

co-operation  of  a  people  so  imperfectly  sanctified  as  is 
the  present  generation  of  Christians  :  nor  does  it  seem 
at  all  consistent  with  His  infinite  fitness  to  govern,  to 
impress  the  present  character  of  the  church,  in  which 
there  is  such  a  mixture  of  pride,  and  selfishness,  and 
worldliness,  and  the  spirit  of  contention,  upon  this 
earth's  entire  population.  How  important  then  the  in- 
structions given  by  Mr.  Taylor  to  young  converts  ! 
How  necessary  that  they  grow  up  from  their  very 
birth  "unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fullness 
of  Christ." 

In  the  same  strain  and  the  same  spirit  is  the  follow- 
ing extract  of  a  letter  to  a  young  lady  in  T ,  to 

whom  Mr.  Taylor  sustained  the  endeared  relation  of 
spiritual  father : 

"June  17,  1825. 

"  As  you  may  conclude,  I  was  glad  to  hear  of  your 
prosperity.  As  you  are  pleased  to  recognize  in  me 
the  instrument,  under  God^  of  awaking  you  from  car- 
nal security,  and  of  leading  you  to  the  Lamb  of  God, 
you  rightly  judge  that  I  feel  something  of  the  solici- 
tude attendant  upon  such  a  relation.  And  not  only  for 
you,  but  for  others  scattered  up  and  down,  near  and 
remote.  When  the  husbandman  cultivates  his  field,  he 
is  more  or  less  anxious  until  his  expections  are  re- 
alized. 

"I  need  not  tell  you  that  I  have  rejoiced  over  the 
lambs  of  the  flock  of  Jesus,  the  good  Shepherd.  And 
perhaps  I  should  not  tell  you  that  I  have  wept  in  se- 
cret places,  for  fear  that  some  might  turn  aside — some 
who  have  expressed  a  hope,  and  so  wound  the  cause 
of  Christ.   YeSj  my  heart  has  bled  in  the  inner  cham- 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  oOl 

bers,  my  soul  has  agonized  for  the  prosperity  of  those 
whom  I  have  seen  once  dead  m  trespasses  and  sins, 
and  afterwards  awakened  and  hopefully  born  again. 
My  heart's  desire  and  prayer  to  God  for  .them  is,  that 
they  all  might  be  hohj,  harmless,  and  undefiled.  Is 
holiness  stamped  on  your  heart  ?  Is  holiness  to  the 
Lord,  as  the  grand  characteristic  of  your  thoughts, 
words,  and  actions,  carried  out  and  made  to  stand 
forth  in  all  the  relations  of  life  1  Are  you  as  harmless 
as  a  dove  ?     Are  you  unspotted  'from  the  world  V 

"  May  you  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  river's  side 
—be  rooted  in  Christ — rooted,  that  you  may  both  draw 
nourishment  from,  and  stand  firm  in  Christ  Jesus." 

Diary,  "June  19. — Another  standard-bearer  in  Zion 
hath  fallen — Summerfield  is  no  more.  Hath  fallen? 
is  no  more?  But  he  hath  ascended  to  his  Father,  and 
lives  in  the  Paradise  of  God.  I  have  read  once  and 
again  two  letters  of  his  addressed  to  my  friend  Mr. 
A.  They  are  fraught  with  Christian  love.  The 
thought  that  the  hand  that  ViOte  them  is  now  entomb- 
ed in  the  grave,  and  the  spirit  that  dictated  them  now 
ranges  the  sweet  fields  above,  was  melting  to  my  soul. 
Well:  for  the  Lord  hath  done  all  things  well,  and  now 
reigns.  He  hath  joined  those  who  have  gone  before. 
What  interviews  may  he  have  already  had  with  Wes- 
ley, and  Whitefield,  and  Fletcher,  and  Spencer,  and 
Martyn,  and  the  innumerable  company  !  And  shall  1 
join  the  heavenly  band  1  I  think  I  never  before  iiad 
such  humiliating  views  of  myself  as  for  weeks  past, 
while  the  Lord  has  been  favoring  me  with  the  com- 
munications of  his  love.  And  if,  after  all,  I  should 
enter  heaven,  the  thought  occurred  that  the   fittest 

2-6  J.  B.  Taylor. 


302  MEMOIR   OP 

place  for  me  would  be  to  be  raised  to  some  conspicu- 
ous point  in  the  midst  of  the  adoring  throng,  as  an 
everlasting  spectacle  of  super  abounding  ^race." 

To  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel. 

*'  Nassau  Hall,  July  13,  1825. 
"  Brother  beloved, 

"  Your  letter,  which  I  have  read  again  and  again, 
came  to  hand  about  a  week  after  its  date,  and  it  re- 
freshed me. 

"  Indeed  I  have  sympathized  with  you,  and  I  still 
could  weep  with  you  under  your  various  trials.  But 
our  sympathizing  High  Priest,  who  hath  gone  into  the 
heavens,  can  better  be  touched  with  a  feeling  of  your 
infirmities,  having  been  tempted  in  all  points  as  we  are. 
Was  Peter's  wife's  mother  sick  of  a  fever  ?  Peter's" 
friend  was  there  to  heal.  Was  the  house  at  Bethany 
afflicted  ?  The  friend  of  Lazarus,  of  Mary,  and  Martha, 
was  there  to  weep  with  the  latter,  and  over  the  tomb 
of  the  former.  I  need  not  tell  my  dear  brother  that 
Jesus  is  virtually  presen'i^,  and  that  in  him  all  fullness 
dwells.  Yes,  he  is  an  attendant  upon  your  compa- 
nion— he  watches  over  her  for  good — cherishes  her 
spiritual  health,  and  is  thus  maturing  her  to  the  sta- 
ture of  one  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  Vine  Dres- 
ser holds  the  pruning  knife,  and  with  consummate 
skill  severs  one  exuberant  branch  after  another,  till 
the  tree  may  appear  well  nigh  shorn  of  its  beauty. 
Soon,  the  roots  being  imbedded  in  a  soil  watered  by 
the  river  of  God,  branches  more  fresh  and  green  will 
put  forth ;  and  if  permitted  to  remain  in  the  garden  be- 
low, it  will  flourish,  bud,  blossom,  and  bear  the  choic- 
est fruit ;  if  transplanted  to  the  garden  above,  it  will 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  303 

bloom  and  bear  fruit  for  ever.  And  shall  we  complaia 
that  he  removes  a  plant  from  a  poorer  to  a  richer  soil 
— from  the  shade  to  the  sunshine  1 

"  Think  it  not  strange,  my  brother,  when  all  that 
are  combined  against  you  level  their  force  against 
your  honest  intentions  to  do  the  work  of  an  evangelist; 
for  remember  the  case  of  our  Elder  Brother,  who 
went  about  doing  good.  Even  Peter  assumed  the  of- 
fice of  dictator,  and  began  to  rebuke  him,  saying,  '  Be 
it  far  from  thee,  Lord.'  Is  it  not  sufficient  that  the 
servant  (Mkot)  be  as  his  master'? — Remember  too  the 
great  Apostle  Paul,  when  with  one  accord  they  be- 
sought him  not  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem.  '  Then  Paul 
answered,  what  mean  ye  to  weep  and  to  break  my 
heart  ?  for  I  am  ready  not  to  be  bound  only,  but  al- 
so to  die  at  Jerusalem  for  the  name  of  the  Lord  Je- 
sus."^ Paul  would  not  be  persuaded :  neither  let  my 
brother  be  persuaded,  until  convinced  by  Him  who 
hath  put  him  into  the  ministry.  And  let  him  count  it 
all  joy  to  suffer  for  Christ's  sake.  Only  get  on  '  the 
whole  armor,'  and  then,  though  a  host  encamp  against 
you,  in  the  Lord  you  will  do  valiantly. 

"  If  you  do  not  enjoy  the  light  of  God's  countenance, 
then  must  you  be  in  double  agony.  I  would  that  you 
were  filled  all  the  day  long  with  faith  and  with  the 
Holy  Ghost.  I  need  not  suggest  it — but  so  I  find  it — 
to  come  to  a  solemn  pause,  and  get  near  to  the  Lord, 
serves  as  a  thousand  arguments  against  the  world, 
the  flesh,  and  the  devil.  May  you  experience  more 
and  yet  more  of  the  love  of  God.  In  carrying  you  and 
your  interests  to  God,  I  have  at  times  enjoyed  liberty 
and  nearness  of  access. 

"  I  am  reading,  with  interest,  Edwards  on  the  AfTec- 


304  MEMOIR   OF 

tions,  speak  regularly  once  a  week  in  the  African 
church,  and  meet  on  Monday  evening  the  young  con- 
verts. I  think  I  take  an  increased  interest  in  reading 
the  Bible.  The  V7orld  and  its  honors  dwindle  into 
the  shade  more  and  more.  May  I  ever  cherish  the  dis- 
position, God  being  my  keeper,  to  spend  my  all  in 
turning  sinners  to  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls. 

A  Christian  salutation  to  Mrs. .  As  always,  yours, 

•'James  B.  Taylor." 

To  the  same. 

"  Nassau  Hall,  Sept.  1, 1825. 
"  Dearly  beloved  Brother, 

"I  am  sorry  on  your  account,  that  so  much  darkness 
pervades  your  soul.  You  need  to  walk  in  the  light, 
for  many  reasons — for  your  own  comfort,  for  the  com- 
fort of  others,  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  for  the  edifica- 
tion of  the  body  of  Christ,  which  is  the  church. 

"I  have  testified  to  you  verbally,  and  by  letter,  con- 
cerning some  of  the  blessings  God  has  vouchsafed  to 
me.  Of  all  the  blessings  in  the  house  of  my  pilgrim- 
age, one  experienced  last  evening  was  perhaps  the 
greatest.  I  will  not  attempt,  with  pen  and  ink,  to  de- 
scribe it.  Help  me,  my  loving  brother,  help  me  to 
praise  the  Lord." 

"  Sept.  23,  1825. 

"James  to  his  dearly  beloved  and  afflicted  brother. 
Little  did  I  expect  to  receive  the  intelligence  I  did  this 
morning  of  your  illness.  Think  it  not  strange,  my 
dear  brother,  that  you  are  sick;  'for  whom  the  Lord 
loveth,  he  chasteneth.'  Try  to  receive  this  visitation, 
as  among  your  '  all  things ;'  and  give  thanks,  '  for  this 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  305 

■9  the  will  of  God,  m  Christ  Jesus,  concerning  you.' 
Perhaps  my  brother  is  not  so  much  alarmed  about  his 
body,  as  he  is  solicitous  that  his  affliction  may  be  sanc- 
tified. Truly  this  should  concern  us  most ;  for  let 
what  will  befall  the  outer  man,  if  the  inner  man  be  re- 
newed day  by  day,  we  shall  grow  strong  for  eternity 
whither  we  constantly  tend.  Are  you  tossed  and  not 
comforted  ?  Do  you  spend  wearisome  days  and  tedi- 
ous nights?  I  have  been  weeping  and  wrestling  in 
prayer  for  you.  While  looking  upward  for  myself,  I 
remembered  you  ;  for  how  could  I  forget  one  to  whom, 
under  God,  I  am  so  much  indebted,  and  to  whom  I 
bear  a  weight  of  love  ?  I  thought  of  asking  for  your 
health,  your  life ;  for  I  saw  beside  you,  your  E.,  and 
around  you,  your  children ;  I  saw  you  an  elder  in  an 
infant  church,  and  exerting,  as  I  hoped,  a  happy  influ- 
ence along  the  path  of  life ;  yet  for  all  this  I  could  on- 
ly say,  *Tlie  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.'  My  weeping 
and  wrestling  for  you,  my  dear  brother,  was  according 
to  the  will  of  God,  that  you  might  be  holy  and  with- 
out blame  before  him  in  love  ;  that  if  your  soul  was 
beclouded,  the  Sun  of  righteousness  might  arise  upon 
you ;  that  our  Captain  would  drive  back  the  enemy, 
and  give  you  the  victory ;  for  this  was  all  I  could  ask 
for  myself.  I  saw,  moreover,  that  though  your  life 
appeared  in  many  respects  to  be  needful,  yet  for  you, 
as  well  as  myself,  another  life  was  in  reserve,  to  en- 
ter upon  which  we  must  die.  Is  there  a  mansion  for 
us  in  the  skies,  and  shall  we  not  enter  in  ?  Is  it  the 
Father's  good  pleasure  to  give  us  the  kingdom,  and 
shall  we  not  possess  it?  To  me  earth  is  no  way  de- 
sirable but  to  live  for  God.  And  let  me  tell  you,  that 
of  late  I  have  thought  myself  near  my  resting-place. 
26* 


a06  MEMOIR  OF 

I  have  been  brought  into  so  close  a  fellowship  with 
God,  that  I  knew  not  but  I  was  breathing  out  my  soul, 
to  fly  away.  Yes,  and  it  is  the  earnest,  ih^  foretaste 
of  glory  which  the  Lord  has  given  me,  that  lifts  me 
on  high. 

"  The  Lord  is,  I  think,  preparing  me  either  to  be 
more  useful,  or  to  take  me  to  heaven.  His  will,  not 
mine,  be  done. 

"  It  may  be  that  my  dear  brother  rests  under  the 
smiles  of  our  heavenly  Father.  Let  us  then  cling 
close  to  the  hope  that  is  within  as,  stand  firm  at  our 
station,  endure  with  patience,  fight  valiantly.  For  this 
we  must  prepare  in  the  inner  chamber ;  with  God  in 
secret  the  harness  is  generally  put  on,  and  for  the 
most  part  with  weeping  and  contrition.  May  our 
hearts  be  bruised  and  healed,  so  that  we  shall  be 
'without  spot  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing.' 

"Should  you  be  apprehensive  that  you  shall  leave 
us  soon,  let  my  brother  do  the  work  he  would  do.  Be 
faithful  to  me— be  faithful  to  E.— be  faithful  to  your 
family,  to  your  minister,  to  all. 

"Let  your  house  be  set  in  complete  order.  Seek 
for  a  clear,  undoubting  evidence  of  your  acceptance. 
Stop  not  short  of  meetness  for  glory  and  glorified  so- 
ciety. '  Without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.' 
The  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly.  And  I 
pray  God  your  whole  soul,  and  body,  and  spirit  may 
be  preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming  of  the  Lord 
Jesus.  Faithful  is  he  who  has  called  you;  who  also 
will  do  it.     Only  seek  him  with  your  whole  heart. 

"Holiness  captivates  my  soul.  It  is  this  that  gives 
the  character  of  God  its  glory,  in  my  view.  It  is  this 
that  makes  the  character  of  aligels  and  disembodied 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  307 

spirits  lovely  in  contemplation.  It  is  this  that  makes 
heaven  desirable.  And  it  is  this  that  illumes  my  soul, 
and  allies  it  to  the  most  holy  on  earth.  My  cry  is, 
Lord,  give  me  wisdom  and  holiness.  And  let  this  be 
the  burden  of  your  prayer  for  me — that  I  may  be  wise 
to  win  souls,  and  holy  to  enter  heaven. 

"  Let  me  comfort  myself,  saith  Edwards,  that  it  is 
the  very  nature  of  afflictions  to  make  the  heart  better; 
and  if  I  am  made  better  by  them,  what  need  I  be  con- 
cerned how  grievous  they  may  seem  for  the  present  ?" 


CHAPTER  VL 

Last  Year  in  College. 

To  a  Lady  in  feeble  health. 

''Oct,  26, 1825. 

"  Acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your  epistle,  which 
came  to  hand  a  few  days  since,  I  am  constrained  to 
comply  with  your  request,  '  write  to  me.'  With  the 
other,  which  was,  'pray  for  me,'  I  have  just  complied, 
with  tears  and  strong  cries. 

"  Blessed  be  the  Beloved  that  he  has  proved  him- 
self your  elder  brother — a  friend  always  near.  How 
relieving — O,  how  unburdening  to  the  soul,  is  a  gush 
of  tears — sweet  tears  of  love  and  gratitude  !  they  have 
just  flowed  from  my  weeping  eyes. 

"  I  am  glad  that  your  spirit  was  refreshed  by  the 
coming  of  Christian  friends  ;  and  for  their  concern  for 
both  you  and  me*   Let  us  not  think  it  strange,  if,  when 


308  MEMOIR    OF 

we  see  the  image  of  Christ  reflected  more  brightly  in 
the  walk  and  conversation  of  some  of  his  disciples 
than  others,  we  are  tempted  to  chide  ourselves  for  not 
loving  all  equally.  It  is  indeed  written — '  By  this 
shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have 
love  one  towards  another ;'  and  '  we  know  that  we 
have  passed  from  death  to  life,  because  we  love  the 
brethren,'  But  the  question  is,  Who  is  my  brother? 
Is  it  one  who  has  been  baptized  ?  goes  to  the  commu- 
nion-table? talks  a6oM^  religion  ?  Our  Savior  tells 
us — '  Whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  my  Father  which 
is  in  heaven,  the  same  is  my  brother.^ 

"  Instead  of  adding  one  pain  to  your  already  accu- 
mulated sufferings,  I  would  relieve  you  of  all — ex- 
change your  weakness  for  strength — your  confinement 
for  the  pleasant  fields.  But,  I  apprehend,  the  days  of 
my  sister,  if  not  already  gone  by,  are  soon  to  be  num- 
bered. This  I  know  does  not  alarm  you.  You  are 
conversant  with  the  dying  hour  in  anticipation. 

"  I  am  seated  where,  by  a  turn  of  the  head,  I  have 
a  beautiful  prospect.  I  can  overlook  a  village  once 
the  scene  of  labors  both  interesting  aod  profitable. 
There  was  a  revival  there  three  years  ago  last  spring  : 
the  fruits  still  appear.  It  reminds  me  of  the  latter  day, 
when  all  shall  know  the  Lord.  The  fields  and  trees 
that  meet  my  eye  cause  me  to  sing, 

'  Sweet  fields  beyond  the  swelling  flood, 
Stand  dress'd  in  living  green.' 

"  And  the  river  that  flows  by,  lifts  the  thoughts  to 
the  '  pure  river  of  the  water  of  life,  clear  as  crystal, 
proceeding  out  of  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb  * 
The  grazing  sheep  and  their  fold  speak,  in  associa- 
tion, of  the  good  Shepherdj  his  flock  and  fold  above. 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  309 

"  The  sun  has  sunk  beneath  the  horizon  to  illumine 
another  hemisphere.  Ere  long  our  swi  shall  go  down : 
may  it  set  to  rise  resplendent  in  a  better,  brighter 
world.  '  They  that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  sun; 
and  they  that  turn  many  to  righteousness,  as  the  stars 
for  ever  and  ever.'  How  happy  his  lot  who  takes  his 
departure  to  meet  the  souls  whom,  under  God,  he  has 
sent  to  heaven  !  O,  there  is  meaning  beyond  expres- 
sion in  what  my  soul  hath  felt  in  this  view ! — Pray, 
still  pray,  that  a  great  company  of  sinners,  redeemed 
from  among  men,  may  at  last  praise  God  for  my  in- 
strumentality. May  you  be  among  the  wise  that  -uji?! 
souls. 

"  The  blowing  of  the  wind  reminds  me  of  the  sailor- 
boy,  perhaps,  far  off  at  sea,  becalmed,  or  wafted  by  the 
breeze,  or  tossed  by  the  tempest ;  now  he  mounts  up 
to  heaven,  then  goes  down  again  to  the  depths.  Let 
our  sails  be  wide  spread  to  catch  every  breeze  of  hea- 
ven ;  nor  need  we  take  in  when  the  gales  of  grace  blow 
upon  them.  As  one  watches  the  pole-star  to  prove 
his  course  correct,  so  let  us  look  to  Jesus,  the  author 
and  finisher  of  our  faith.  Thus  we  shall  run  clear — 
make  our  voyage — enter  the  haven  fully  laden — cast 
anchor,  and  lie  safely  moored  for  ever. 

"  I  thank  God  for  his  goodness  in  permitting  an  ac- 
quaintance between  souls  so  congenial,  in  this  the 
house  of  our  pilgrimage.  Our  communion  has  been 
holy ;  be  it  perpetuated  above.  I  think  I  was  enabled 
to  acquiesce  in  the  will  of  God.  I  could,  and  in  a  de- 
gree unknown  before,  bless  him  for  making  us  mutual 
blessings.  That  you  had  been  made  a  blessing  to  me, 
did  not  seem  so  strange ;  but  that  I  should  have  been 
made  a  blessing  to  you,  seems  strange  indeed.     The 


310  MEMOIR  OP 

Lord  knoweth  the  mean  view  I  have  of  myself.  If 
alive,  (for  I  know  not  but  I  was  thinking  of  one  in 
heaven,)  I  wrestled  for  heaven's  blessing  to  descend 
and  abide  with  you;  and  I  was  blessed  in  pleading  for 
my  dear  sister,  to  whom,  as  never  before,  did  I  feel  a 
binding  of  soul  in  Christian  fellowship. 

"  From  this  situation,  so  pleasant,  I  could  descry  a 
scenery  more  captivating  than  any  seen  by  mortal  eye. 
Through  faith,  I  took  a  view  of  the  house  not  made 
with  hands,  and  anticipated  the  day  when  I  should  at 
least  hear  you  sing,  and  see  you  bow  before  the  throne. 
Yes,  my  sister,  if  I  should  be  at  a  distance,  do  you 
strive  to  get  near  the  throne. 

"You  recollect  I  mentioned  one  whose  soul  seems 
full  of  love.  O  for  a  host  of  self-denying,  cross-bear- 
ing, humble,  Bible  sons  and  daughters  of  the  Lord 
Almighty. 

"It  rains — may  a  shower  of  grace  come  to  you. 
May  the  Holy  Ghost  descend  in  his  influences  upon  you 
like  drops  of  dew.  May  you  be  as  a  well- watered  gar- 
den, producing  abundantly  the  fruits  of  righteousness, 

"  I  was  asked  to-night,  by  a  minister,  '  What  is  sav- 
ing faith  V  I  answered  him  in  holy  language :  'It  is 
that  faith  which  worketh  by  love,  purifieth  the  heart, 
and  overcometh  the  world.'  How  exemplified  is  this 
faith  in  some  Christians  !  Alas,  that  they  are  so  rare. 
Let  these  characteristics  of  the  devoted  servant  of  God, 
and  all  the  lineaments  of  the  dear  Redeemer,  be  man- 
ifested in  us.  If  there  should  be  but  one  on  earth, 
ought  you  not  to  be  the  one,  who  should  have  the 
whole  mind  of  Christ?  Then  would  be  seen  in  your 
every  relation  of  life,  what  proves  the  reality,  beauty, 
and  excellency  of  the  religion  you  profess." 


JAMES    ERAINERD    TAYLOR.  311 

The  following  letter,  addressed  principally  to  the 
wife  of  a  beloved  brother  when  she  was  expected  to 
die,  is  so  full  of  piety,  and  faith,  and  love,  that  no  one 
can  read  it,  with  a  serious  mind,  without  admiring  the 
writer,  or  rather  the  grace  of  God  in  him. 

''  Nov.  17,  1825. 

"  Your  letter,  dear  brother,  came  this  morning,  with 
intelligence  which  I  did  not  at  all  expect.  Shall  I  tell 
you  the  train  of  thought  it  excited  ? — That  you  would  be 
companionless — your  children  motherless — that  R.'s 
happy  spirit,  like  an  uncaged  bird,  would  fly  away, 
and  be  at  rest. 

"  Were  you,  my  dear  brother,  were  you,  as  some  are, 
I  would  not  write  as  I  do.  '  But  ye,  who  were  some 
time  darkness,  are  now  light  in  the  Lord.'  And  I 
write  this  for  your  comfort.  And  if  your  dear  wife 
and  my  dear  sister  be  alive,  and  you  think  it  for  her 
comfort,  read  it  to  her,  as  perhaps  the  last  epistle  of 
James  to  her,  just  going  into  eternity. 

"  I  will  address  it  to  her.  Sister  R.,  dear  sister, 
forgive  all  my  unfaithfulness  to  you,  and  once  more 
pray  that  I  may  be  blessed  with  holiness  and  wisdom. 
Little  did  I  think  of  your  being  the  Jirst  of  our  house- 
hold that  would  probably  be  called  away.  Little  did 
I  think  that  you  would  be  the  Jirst  to  enjoy  the  privi- 
lege of  entering  heaven. 

"  It  is  taken,  for  granted  that  your  soul  is  prepared 
for  its  exit.  This  is  what  each  one  must  be  concern- 
ed about  for  himself;  for  as  you  know,  as  individuals, 
we  stand  accountable  to  God  for  our  conduct  here;  as 
individuals  we  must  die,  and  as  individuals  we  must 
be  judged. 

"  Persuaded  of  your  acceptance  through  Christ, 


312 


MEMOIR  OP 


Stand,  stand  Jirmly.    Throwing  yourselfinto  the  arms 

of  Jesus,  wait,  wait  patiently.     Leaning  on  the  bosom 

ol  Jesus,  fear  no  harm  ;  for  he  hath  said,  '  If  I  go  away 

I  will  come  again  and  receive  you  unto  myself.'         ' 

'•'When  I  remember  that  God  has  an  economy -f 

grace,  as  well  as  of  nature-that  the  kingdom  ofcrrace 

IS  governed  by  a  holy  King,  himself  the  Lawgiver 

I  am  consoled  ;  for  certain  I  am  that  he  will  act  so  as  to 

constrain  all  his  subjects  to  see  that  he  hath  done  all 

things  well.     Hence,  my  sister,  should  he  call  you 

away,  I  cannot  but  acquiesce,  and  say,  '  The  Lord 

reigneth.'     However  much  you  are  beloved  on  earth 

you  would  go  where  you  would  be  loved  much  more— 

enjoy  a  Ao/i/  society  in  a  holy  place,  and  be  employed 

m  rendering  a  perfect  service  to  your  God  and  mine. 

Hence— however  much  /love  you,  and  were  it  the  will* 

of  God,  I  would  detain  you  here  long— I  would  be  the 

first  to  sing,  though  with  streaming  eyes, 

*  'Tis  finish'd,  the  conflict  is  past, 

The  heaven-born  spirit  is  fled, 
Her  wish  is  accomplish'd  at  last, 

And  now  she's  entomb'd  with  the  dead; 
The  months  of  affliction  are  o'er, 

The  days  and  the  nights  of  distress; 
We  see  her  in  anguish  no  more ; 
She's  gained  her  happy  release.' 

"  Should  I  hear  of  your  death,  I  would  look  up  and 
thank  God,  that  now,  instead  of  earth,  paradise  is  yours. 
I  would  think  of  you  as  a  happy  spirit  that  had  enter- 
ed '  through  the  gate  into  the  city.'  Having  overcome 
and  being  seated  with  Christ  on  his  throne,'you  would' 
as  a  spirit,  commune  with  God— commune  with  an- 
gels who  are  ministering  spirits— commune  with  saints 
who  have  gone  up  through  great  tribulation,  and  who 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  313 

are  the  spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect.  Think,  too, 
of  some  of  your  friends  who  have  died  in  the  faith— 
of  those  who  follow  after,  but  above  all  of  Jesus,  whom 
you  shall  see  as  he  is. 

"  When  on  the  Mount  Zion  above,  whether  you 
shall  look  down  on  things  below  or  not,  think  of  James, 
and  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord  for  the  blessings  I 
have  received — the  earnest  of  the  heavenly  rest.  What 
the  employments  of  the  saints  are,  you  will  know  more 
particularly  'when  on  Zion  you  stand.'  Oithis  \om 
may  be  as  certain  as  you  are  certain  that  you  are  a 
child  of  God — you  shall  behold  a  wonderful  sight. 
*  Father,'  said  Jesus,  '  I  will  that  they  whom  thou  hast 
given  me,  be  with  me  where  I  am,  that  they  may  be- 
hold inij  glory. "^ 

"  To  comfort  you  and  your  afflicted  husband,  re- 
member the  laws  of  the  kingdom :  '  Thy  statutes  have 
been  my  song  in  the  house  of  my  pilgrimage.'  How 
often  was  this  the  case  with  David  in  his  affliction. 
One  law  of  the  kingdom  is,  that  the  subjects  of  Zion's 
King  must  enter  heaven — but  he,  even  our  God  and 
King,  hath  reserved  to  himself  the  right  of  ordering 
for  his  subjects.  Would  we  be  at  our  own  disposal  ? 
We  feel  safest  in  his  hand.  Then  as  it  is  appointed  to 
men  once  to  die,  who  can  rightly  designate  the  time 
and  circumstances?  God,  who  sees  the  end  from  the 
beginning ;  or  we,  who  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring 
forth?  Be  comforted;  let  not  your  heart  be  troubled. 
I  hope  to  have  a  mansion  too.  Then,  whether  you  or 
I  be  called  first,  seeing  that  the  will  of  God  is  done, 
what  should  we  be  concerned  about  but  a  full  prepa- 
ration for  heaven  ? 

"If  you  recover,  we  will  be  thankful.     If  you  die, 

27  J.  B.  Taylor. 


314  MEMOIR  OF 

may  you  be  calmly  dismissed,  or  go  with  a  shout,  as 
it  is  appointed.  As  the  entrance  is  ministered,  is  it 
not  all  one  whether  we  die  calmly  or  exultingly  ?  In 
ihis,  as  other  things,  let  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done. 
1  am  glad  that  you  can  give  up  your  family ;  if  in  the 
hands  of  the  Lord,  they  are  safe.  And  surely  they 
are  at  his  disposal,  as  we  are  ourselves. 

"  Finally,  my  sister — my  sister,  with  whom  I  have 
sung,  with  whom  I  have  prayed  and  wept — farewell-n- 
we  love  one  another  till  death — dying,  I  will  not  for- 
get thee — I  will  remember  all  your  sisterly  afiection — 
your  kind  hospitality ;  and  when  my  work  shall  be 
done,  I  will  hope  to  meet  you  at  the  right  hand  of  God 
— An  affectionate  adieu.  If  you  have  a  dying  message 
for  me,  leave  it  with  J. 

"  Brother,  in  conclusion,  I  think  all  I  can  say  on  this 
occasion,  is,  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.  The  wave 
may  yet  roll  back  upon  you  great  things  which  you 
have  not  known.  This  may  be  the  vehicle  in  which 
shall  be  conveyed  the  greatest  blessings :  only  trust  in 
God.  'Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God,'  saith  Je- 
hovah. He  hath  been  with  you  ;  and  although  clouds 
and  darkness  are  round  about  him,  yet  justice  and 
judgment  are  the  habitation  of  his  throne.  There- 
fore be  not  faithless,  but  believing.  Look  for  a  happy 
issue  out  of  all  your  troubles. 

"  Your  sympathizing  brother, 

"James." 

To  his  brother  and  sisters  F.,  E.,  and  A.,  ihen  at 
New-Haven. 

"  Nassau  Hall,  Dec.  2,  1825.' 

"You  have  doubtless  known  the  course  of  sister  R.'s 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  315 

illness.  On  the  Wednesday  previous  to  my  leaving 
Princeton  for  New-York,  brother  J.  wrote,  '  Probably 
before  this  reaches  you  our  dear  R.  will  commence  the 
song  of  angels.'  I  answered  this  letter,  and  addressed 
one  to  her,  which  was  read  to  her,  and  she  was  melt- 
ed to  tears.  '  O,'  said  she,  '  I  love  James ;  tell  him 
from  me,  that  now  I  can  go  with  him  into  heaven :  not 
until  this  affliction  could  I  see  as  he  saw,  but  now  I 
can  rise  with  him  to  the  top  of  Pisgah.'  I  say  not 
these  things  to  exalt  myself,  but  to  magnify  the  grace 
of  God. 

"Her  room  appeared  to  be  filled  with  the  glory  of 
God,  and  her  soul  to  be  lighted  up  with  the  brightness 
of  his  coming.  She  was  at  full  liberty.  'If  the  Son 
shall  make  you  free,  you  shall  be  free  indeed.'  She 
could  say  in  a  higher  sense  than  before,  'I  waited  pa- 
tiently for  the  Lord,  and  he  inclined  unto  me  and  heard 
my  cry.  He  brought  me  up  also  out  of  a  horrible  pit, 
out  of  the  miry  clay,  and  set  my  feet  upon  a  rock,  and 
established  my  goings ;  and  he  hath  put  a  new  song 
into  my  mouth,  even  praise  to  my  God.' 

"Before  this  she  had  very  composedly  taken  leave 
of  all.  Her  husband  had  received  her  dying  message, 
and  apparently  heard  her  sigh  the  last  adieu.  Her 
children  listened  to  her  dying  counsel;  on  the  verge 
of  eternity  she  spoke  to  all,  and  they  were  melted  to 
tears. 

"  Wednesday  night  there  was  a  favorable  change. 
And  it  was  when  man  had  given  her  up — when  she 
had  rejoiced  in  the  prospect  of  being  in  eternity  in  an 
hour — when  the  shroud  and  the  coffin  were  full  in  view, 
that  God  interposed.    He  spake,  and  it  was  done. 


316  MEMOIR   OF 

'Back  from  the  borders  of  the  grave 
At  thy  command  she's  come; 
Nor  did  she  urge  a  speedier  flight 
To  her  celestial  home.' 

"You  will  conclude  that  I  enjoyed  a  pleasant  sea- 
son with  her,  in  our  converse,  and  in  songs  of  praise 
and  prayer.  Indeed  it  was  a  'green  pasture,'  where 
were  fed  not  only  those  who  were  around  her  more 
immediately,  bat  other  sheep  of  the  same  fold  went 
in  and  out  and  found  pasture.  Upon  this  green  spot 
— green,  because  of  the  divine  influence  in  the  show- 
ers of  grace  and  the  shining  of  the  'Sun  of  righteous- 
ness'— upon  this  green  spot  there  was  herbage,  of 
which  the  pastor  also  partook  and  was  refreshed.  The 
circle  in  which  they  moved  was  tenderly  affected,  and 
seemed  awake  to  set  their  house  in  order.  To  brother 
J.  it  has  been  a  glorious  visitation.  With  his  compa- 
nion, he  seemed  neither  above  nor  below  the  will  of 
God.  To  mother  it  has  been,  as  she  expressed  it,  in 
all  her  grief  a  happy  season.  To  our  father  it  has 
proved  a  time  of  refreshing.  To  me  it  has  been  the 
occasion  of  setting  my  affections  on  things  above  yet 
more  than  ever.  Has  not  this  visitation  been  fraught 
with  mercies  to  you — each  of  you  ?  That  it  may  prove 
yet  more  the  means  of  good  to  us  individually,  let  us 
each  lay  it  to  heart :  I  mean  her  experience.  She 
wondered  that  she  had  not  come  into  such  a  blessing 
before. 

"  In  her  case  we  have  the  encouragement  to  ask  and 
expect  great  blessings.  To  this  is  superadded,  'great 
and  precious  promises.'  Let  one  full  of  import  be  re- 
cited :  '  Call  unto  me,  and  I  will  answer,  and  show  thee 
great  and  mighty  things,  which  thou  hast  not  known.' 


JAMES  BHAINERD   TAYLOR.  317 

After  all  we  have  known,  there  are  still  'great  and 
mighty  things.'  After  all  that  we  see,  still  the  pro- 
mise is  good.  If  'great  and  mighty  things'  be  not  in 
the  experience  o[ each,  on  whom  shall  the  blame  rest? 
Let  us  seek  not  low  attainments,  but  great  and  mighty 
uprisings  towards  heaven. 

"  From  R.'s  faithfulness  in  sickness  let  us  learn  the 
important  lesson  of  being  faithful  in  health.  And  in 
all  we  do,  let  us  ask,  how  will  this  appear  on  my  dy- 
ing bed  1  Thus  may  we  be  led  to  act,  not  with  a  view 
to  man's  judgment,  but  in  accordance  with  the  will  of 
God. 

"  If  our  sister  be  restored,  still  it  remains  for  some 
one  of  our  number  to  lead  the  way  to  the  bar  of  God. 
You  know  that  a  part  of  my  grave-clothes  were  once 
made.  How  soon  the  winding-sheet  may  be  my  at- 
tire or  yours,  who  can  tell  ?  But  sure  the  funeral  knell 
may  soon  tell  our  departure.  How  solemn  is  that 
sound :  '  Earth  to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to  dust  1' 

"  Let  us,  in  minding  our  duty,  keep  where  our  sis- 
ter would  keep — near  to  God  in  secret,  near  to  God  in 
all  our  intercourse  with  others  ;  for,  holding  converse 
with  him,  we  shall  be  transformed  into  his  likeness — 
the  more  like  God,  the  more  holy — the  more  holy,  the 
more  happy,  and  the  better  fitted  for  a  heaven  whose 
glory  is  holiness.  Then,  living  or  dying,  all  will  be 
well. 

'  I'm  glad  that  I  was  born  to  die.' 

"  Do  you  each  see  your  way  clear  ?  Is  it  lighted  up 
with  glory  as  you  pass  along  ?  or  are  you  walking  in 
darkness  ?  Then  you  must  stumble — you  must  halt. 
O,  it  cannot  be  otherwise.     And  if  it  be  thus,  I  be- 

27* 


318  MEMOIR   OP 

seech  you  with  a  brother's  love,  and  as  though  they 
were  my  dying  words,  remove  the  stumbling-blocks. 
Find  out,  bring  to  light,  and  slay  every  enemy.  Har- 
bor not  one — no,  not  one  disloyal  subject.  Let  Jesus 
be  King,  and  let  him  reign  without  a  rival.  O,  how 
many,  for  the  indulging  of  one  sin,  have  prevented 
conviction  and  conversion  ;  and  for  want  of  these,  how 
many  have  sunk  to  hell !  And  tell  me  of  a  darker 
sign  in  a  professor,  than  one  sin  of  any  kind  indulged. 
Should  not  that  be  enough  to  lead  him  to  question  his 
being  in  a  gracious  slate  ?  My  brother — my  sisters, 
witness  my  determination ;  God  being  my  helper,  I 
will  love  and  serve  him.  It  is  my  choice.  Be  ye  al- 
so more  than  ever  determined.  As  a  family,  and  as 
individuals,  let  us  live  to  God.  Give  to  the  vain  the 
vanities  of  time.  Give  to  the  worlding  its  'fleeting 
show.'  Let  the  lovers  of  pleasure  grasp  at  a  phantom. 
Be  it  ours  to  seek  and  possess  the  chief  good ;  lay  up 
treasure  in  the  heavens,  and  reach  for  the  prize.  Then, 
as  a  family  and  as  individuals,  we  shall  answer  the 
end  of  our  being — live  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God, 
die  exulting,  and  wing  our  way  to  the  paradise  above. 
There,  if  not  below,  I  will  wait  to  meet  you. 
"  With  a  brother's  love, 

"  James  B.  Taylor." 


«  Nassau  HaU,  Dec.  29,  1825. 

♦'  Dear  Brother, 

"Your  letter  has  come  to  hand.  No  item  called 
forth  more  grateful  emotions  than  the  testimony  or 
your  having  more  sensibly  the  presence  of  the  Lord, 
Indeed,  I  praise  the  God  of  our  salvation  for  his 
love  to  my  brother  in  this  respect.    I  trust  he  will 


JAME9   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  319 

visit  you  yet  more  copiously.    May  you  have  gospel- 
measure. 

"  Of  late  I  have  rejoiced  that  there  is  an  eternity — 
a  glorious  eternity.  Separated  now,  there  we  shall 
mingle,  and  with  saints  and  angels  join.  How  then 
should  we  act  on  earth  !  O,  had  disembodied  spirits 
to  act  over  another  life,  how  active  would  they  be ! 
Brother,  what  would  the  saint  who  died  rich,  now  do 
with  his  money  were  he  here  ?  Would  the  thousands 
that  have  been  scattered  to  the  winds  by  prodigal  heirs 
be  again  put  into  their  hands  ?  or  would  they  be  sa- 
credly disposed  of  for  God  ?  How  much  better,  '  in 
that  day,'  to  be  found  among  those  who  have  been 
more  solicitous  to  furnish  the  church  with  able  minis- 
ters of  the  New  Testament,  than  to  adorn  after-gene- 
rations with  vanity  !  And  who  dare  say,  that  by  do- 
ing more  for  God  and  less  for  heirs,  souls  would  not 
have  been  saved  ?" 

In  the  following  from  Mr.  Taylor's  diary,  his  com- 
munion with  God,  and  resignation  to  the  divine  will, 
shine  conspicuously,  and  are  worthy  of  the  imitation 
of  all  that  come  after  him. 

"  Dec.  30,  1825. — Had,  at  evening  devotion,  an  un- 
common blessing,  such  in  kind  and  degree  as  perhaps 
I  never  had  before.     I  sang, 

*  Hail  sovereign  love,  that  first  began.' 

"  Being  led  to  examine  whether  I  could  acquiesce 
in  the  will  of  God,  I  asked,  (but  it  seemed  as  if  He 
put  the  question,)  '  Could  you,  were  God  to  say,  de- 


320  MEMOIR   OF 

sist  from  your  pursuit,  could  you  relinquish  the  minis^ 
try  V  My  reply  was,  Lord,  thou  knowest  this  touches 
in  the  tenderest  point — yet  I  could  yield  at  thy  bid- 
ding— go  to  the  plough,  or  to  the  most  servile  employ- 
ment. To  me  it  seemed  that  my  will  was  wholly  re- 
solved into  the  will  of  God.  It  was  a  holy  talk  with 
heaven,  and  beyond  expression  sweet.  Gratitude  in^ 
expressible  filled  my  heart,  and  struggled  for  utter- 
ance. I  fell  before  the  Lord  in  my  accustomed  kneel- 
ing-place,  and  attempted  a  thank-offering. 

"  Had  an  opportunity  to  talk  faithfully  to  a  candi- 
date for  the  ministry.  I  told  him,  that,  with  my  pre- 
sent views,  it  would  never  do  for  me  to  live  and  act  as 
most  ministers  do.  O  what  an  account  must  sleeping 
watchmen  give  !  And  how  will  ministers  appear,  if 
at  last  they  should  cry  out,  Lost — lost  for  ever !  Lord 
give  me  holiness  and  wisdom.  I  will  hope  to  lay  out 
myself  for  God.  I  would  rather  lay  me  down  and  die. 
than  live  to  dishonor  thee." 

Diary,  "January  1,  1836— Sabbath  evening. — Have 
just  risen  from  my  kneeling-place,  where  I  thanked 
the  Lord,  at  the  remembrance  of  his  mercies — for  food 
and  raiment — for  health — for  the  use  of  all  my  senses 
— for  the  privilege  of  living  alone — for  literary  advan- 
tages, books,  and  instructors.  And  the  visits  of  his 
love  the  past  year  have  been  frequent — my  record 
speaks  of  some.  I  have  not  recorded  all,  nor  all  my 
aberrations.  My  record  is  on  high.  The  Lord  know- 
eth.  Clothed  in  the  Redeemer's  righteousness,  it  ia 
enough. 

"  I  thanked  the  Lord  for  my  parents — that  they  have 
been  spared — my  brothers  and  sisters  too.    Although 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  321 

sickness  has  entered  our  borders  and  threatened  the 
removal  of  two  of  our  number,  they  both  live.  I  thank- 
ed the  Lord  for  benefactors,  praying  friends,  and  cor- 
respondents. 

*'  My  prayer  was,  and  is  repeated — Lord,  bless  me 
this  year  also.  Sho^v  me  '  great  and  mighty  things 
that  I  know  not.'  Bless  me  not  only,  but  make  me  a 
blessing  to  my  brethren  in  the  college — make  me  a 
blessing  to  the  college — to  the  town — to  my  relations 
and  friends.  Bless  the  church — the  sons  of  Levi — the 
candidates  for  the  ministry — scatter  light  among  the 
nations  of  the  earth.  Great  things  have  been  witness- 
ed during  the  past  year.  This  has  been  an  indescrib  • 
ably  happy  new  year's  day  to  me. 

"  While  the  brethren  were  at  prayer  in  my  room  this 
morning,  (as  usual  on  Sunday  morning,)  a  letter  was 
left  on  my  desk,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy : 

*  Sir, — You  are  suspected  d — d  strongly  of  having  informed 
the  faculty  of  the  misdemeanors  of  several  of  the  students. 
The  evidence  against  you,  though  circumstantial,  is  of  the 
strongest  kind.  You  will  for  the  future  be  strictly  watched, 
and  therefore  it  will  be  prudent  for  you  to  visit  your  brothers, 
the  tutors,  as  seldom  as  possible;  for  if  detected,  your  punish- 
ment is  inevitable.  Do  not  treat  this  with  levity.  If  you  do 
you  must  suffer  the  consequences.' 


charity  that  '  beareth  all  things '  was  in  exercise.  My 
soul  yearned  for  the  unknown  individual  who  wrote 
the  letter.  I  longed,  with  weeping  eyes  and  groans 
which  could  not  be  uttered,  to  see  him  a  returning 
prodigal.  My  heart  broke  too  for  the  college.  The 
exercise  was  more  earnest  than  ever  before  for  those 


322  ME310IR   OF 

around  me,  yet  ray  will  was  absorbed  in  the  will  of 
God — I  saw  that  it  belonged  to  him  to  work  salvation. 
My  soul  was  lifted  up  vvitli  its  longings  for  a  blessing 
on  the  preaching  to-day,  and  with  streaming  eyes  I 
arose,  at  the  ringing  of  the  bell,  and  hastened  to  hear 
the  word.     Shall  we  not  see  better  days  ? 

'  I  wrote  on  the  aforesaid  letter,  '  Greater  is  he  that 
is  for  me,  than  all  they  that  are  against  me.'  '  He  givetli 
his  angels  charge  concerning  thee,  lest  at  any  time 
thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone.'  I  add,  '  Who  shall 
harm  you,  if  ye  be  followers  of  that  which  is  good? 
The  Lord  is  on  our  side.' 

"A  report  is  in  circulation  that  an  individual  had 
said  he  should  consider  himself  bound  to  report  to  the 
faculty  the  bad  conduct  of  students.  Though  I  am 
not  the  person  who  said  this,  if  it  was  ever  said,  pro- 
bably the  suspicion  has  fallen  on  me.  Amen.  They 
meant  it  for  evil ;  God  meant  it  for  good.  A  greaf 
blessing  has  come  to  me  through  an  emissary  ol 
Satan. — O  how  w^ould  my  arms  of  love  open  to  him. 
if  he  would  come  to  Christ.  O  for  the  descent  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

"  Wrote  my  usual  new  year's  letter  to  our  family." 

*'  Nassau  Hall,  January  1, 1826. 

"  As  usual,  I  suppose  my  parents,  brothers,  and  sis- 
ters will  be  expecting  a  new  year's  letter.  They 
shall  not  be  disappointed — A  happy  new  year  to  you 
all— to  me  it  has  happily  begun. 

"  To  us,  collectively  and  individually,  the  year  1325 
has  been  fraught  with  good.  Prosperity  has  been  with- 
in our  borders.  Called,  indeed,  to  talk  of  judgments, 
we  have  simg  of  mercies.     All,  but  perhaps  none  more 


JAMES    BRAINEim   TAYLOR.  323 

\han  James,  are  laid  under  renewed  obligations  to  love 
and  seive  the  Lord. 

"  Recounting  the  goodness  of  God  to  me,  I  find  that 
It  reaches  to  the  clouds.  But  'when  on  Zion  we 
stand,'  we  hope  to  talk  of  all  his  goodness.  You  have 
had  my  testimony  already  of  some  of  those  manifesta- 
tions I  have  enjoyed.     Suffice  it  for  the  present  to  say, 

'  The  more  thy  glory  strikes  mine  eyes, 

The  lower  I  shall  lie  : 
Thus  Avhile  I  sink,  my  soul  shall  rise 
Immeasurably  high.' 

''I  thank  our  God  that  he  has  continued  our  parents 
with  us  another  year — our  parents,  always  beloved  by 
us  all.  They  have  fostered  us — they  have  trained  us 
up — they  have  wept  for  us — they  have  prayed  for  us 
—they  love  us.  May  their  declining  sun  shine  yet 
fair,  and  set  in  splendor.  Methinks  I  hear  my  parents 
say,  ife  will  praise  the  Lord :  yes,  we  will  praise  the 
Lord  for  all  his  goodness  to  us  and  ours.  If  we  listen 
to  your  testimony,  shall  we  not  hear  you  witness  to 
the  visits  of  our  heavenly  Father?  O  yes,  you  each 
know  what  it  is  to  hold  fellowship  with  the  Father, 
and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  You  know  what  it  is 
to  hold  converse  with  God  in  secret ;  and  doubtless  the 
daily  desire  of  your  hearts  is,  'Evermore  give  us  this 
bread ;'  nor  do  I  doubt  that  your  daily  prayer  goes  up 
for  our  advance  in  the  way  of  holiness. 

"Shall  brother  E.  and  sister  M.  see  this?  A  hap- 
py new  year  to  them.  I  need  not  repeat  here,  what 
you  often  converse  on  together.  Every  minister,  and 
every  minister's  wife,  must  think  of  souls  under  their 
care — souls  to  be  trained  for  heaven,  who  are  already 
in  the  way,  and  souls  yet  in  their  sins. 


324  MEMOIR   OF 

"Brother  F.,  how  do  you  live  in  college  ?  I  do  not 
hear  from  you.  Are  you  getting  much  knowledge 
upon  your  knees  7  '  And  they  shall  all  be  taught  of 
God.'  Take  the  promise  that  I  have  taken.  '  Call 
unto  me,  and  I  will  answer.'  Live  so  in  college,  that 
when  you  graduate,  you  may  stand  beside  your  bro- 
ther, and  with  him  tell  the  world  that  there  is  no  place 
more  eligible  for  advancement  in  holiness  than  col- 
lege. O,  let  us  '  die  daily'  to  the  world,  and  have  our 
souls  so  imbued  with  that  knowledge  which  does  not 
come  from  books,  that,  Moses  like,  others  may  see 
that  we  have  been  with  God.  Then,  as  before  Moses, 
smners  will  tremble  before  us.     O  for  a  holy  unction. 

"  In  the  commencement  of  this  new  year,  let  us  all 
be  solemn.  With  many  it  is  a  day  of  mirth.  Let  us 
think  on  our  latter  end.  We  shall  find  it  profitable 
to  do  it  frequently.  Is  once  a  v/eek  too  often  1  For 
one,  I  believe  I  try  to  do  it  daily.  I  go  to  the  grave- 
yard for  this  :  I  sit  on  the  tomb-stones  and  read,  '  Here 
lies,'  and  think  on  my  shroud  and  coffin — the  tolling 
bell — the  funeral  procession — the  open  grave — the  fall- 
ing earth — I  love  to  die  in  imagination.  There  is 
nothing  more  interesting  to  me  than  death  scenes.  I 
know  not  indeed  that  my  parents  shall  surround  my 
dying  bed;  nor  that  my  brother  or  sisters  shall  watch 
my  parting  breath.  I  am  not  worthy  of  their  kind  of- 
fices ;  I  may  die,  a  stranger  in  a  strange  land.  But 
what  of  this?  To  lie  beside  my  fathers'  sepulchres 
would  indeed  be  grateful :  but  one  point  of  the  earth 
is  as  near  to  heaven  as  another ;  and,  although  we  may 
not  rise  from  the  same  burying-place,  the  same  trum- 
pet shall  awaken  us,  and  we  shall  arise  to  the  same 
heaven.     Let  us  try  to  bring  death  very  near,  and  for 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOK.  325 

several  reasons  :  1.  That  we  may  fix  our  faith  more 
firmly  on  the  doctrines  of  the  Bible:  the  doctrines  of 
men  will  not  stand  in  a  dying  hour.  2.  That  our 
worldly  pursuits  may  be  rightly  regulated,  3.  That 
we  may  seek  more  earnestly  full  preparation.  4. 
That  when  afflicted  we  may  the  better  sustain  it.  5. 
That  we  may  forgive  and  act  tov/ards  all  as  becometh 
the  dying.  Redeem  the  time,  and  so  be  ever  ready 
and  waiting  for  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man. 

"  To  conclude.  Let  us,  in  entering  upon  any  busi- 
ness, inquire  whether  it  be  lawful.  Let  all  worldly  at- 
tachments and  pursuits  hang  loosely  about  us.  Let 
our  houses  be  set  in  complete  order.  Let  us  begin 
nothing  of  which  we  have  not  well  considered  the 
end.  When  you  shall  have  read  this,  I  wish  each  of 
you  to  go  aside  and  pray  for 

"James." 

Diary.  January  3. — "Am  truly  blessed  of  God.  Be- 
fore the  commencement  of  service  at  the  usual  Tues- 
day evening  meeting,  I  sat  musing  and  invoking  a 
blessing.  The  Lord  came  apparently  with  his  servant 
— as  he  prayed,  my  soul  seemed  to  gain  new  vigor — 
and  while  we  sung.  But  as  he  spoke,  a  heavenly  in- 
fluence dropped — distilled — poured  into  my  soul.  The 
Holy  Ghost  seemed  to  come  down — and  I  felt  hot  with 
hallowed  fire.  It  was  an  increase  upon  the  blessing 
of  last  Sabbath — for  it  was  a  struggle  for  souls.  The 
subject  was,  'God  tries  the  patience  of  his  children.' 
I  felt  that  mine  had  been  tried,  and  longed  for  his 
coming.  His  address  being  finished,  I  prayed.  It  was 
still  a  solemn  time,  and  the  divine  influence  seemed 
to  increase— while  this  was  the  burden  of  our  prayers  : 

28  J.  B.  Taylor. 


326  MEMOIR    OF 

Holiness  for  ourselves,  and  conversion  and  holiness 
for  the  impenitent. 

"  Spent  a  couple  of  hours  in  his  room  with  the  preach- 
er and  brother  J.,  where  I  gained  new  vigor,  exul 
tation,  and  triumph,  and  some  practical  knowledge. 
Received  a  letter  which  made  my  soul  leap  for  joy. 
How  thankful  I  ought  to  be  for  the  addition  of  this  ac- 
quaintance during  the  last  year.  It  will  doubtless  be 
consummated  in  heaven.  The  Lord  blesses  us,  and 
makes  us  a  blessing  to  each  other." 

To  Rev.  Mr.  H ,  of  S 

''  Nassau  Hall,  January  15,  1826. 
"  To  my  reverend,  my  esteemed  Friend,  and  the  Church  in  his  house: 

"  I  need  not  tell  you  how  often  I  have  perused  those 
two  letters  received  from  my  venerated  father  in  the 
Gospel,  nor  say  that  they  are  among  the  most  valued 
of  my  letters  received.  Think  then  how  much  I  have 
desired  a  third  and  a  fourth.  Almost  a  year  has  elaps- 
ed since  the  date  of  the  last.  My  affection  for  you  all 
will  not  allow  me  to  suppose  that  I  shall  intrude  by 
once  more  breaking  in  upon  a  leisure  half  hour  of 
yours. 

"If  not  too  late,  a  happy  new  year  to  you,  and  your 
dear  family.  How  gladly  would  I  spend  this  evening 
with  you,  in  recounting  the  mercies  of  the  last  year. 
To  you  it  has  been  full  of  loving-kindness — your  fa- 
mily circle  has  been  unbroken — your  happy  mansion 
has  been  screened  from  'the  pestilence  that  walketh  in 
darkness,  and  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon- 
day.' While  others  have  been  called  to  follow  their 
inmates  to  the  narrow  house,  you  all  live. 

"  Believing  that  you  still  take  as  deep  interest  in 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOK.  327 

your  young  friend  as  when  you  wrote,  '  My  family, 
with  many  pleasant  recollections,  unite  with  me  in  the 
best  wishes  and  prayers  for  your  best  welfare  and 
highest  usefulness,'  I  need  not  apologize  for  speaking 
a  little  of  myself;  for  to  me  the  year  1825  has  been 
signalized  with  many  blessings.  '  Ten  thousand 
thousand  precious  gifts  my  daily  thanks  employ,'  Al- 
most uninterrupted  health — local  privileges,  heaven 
nigh — special  baptisms  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  producing 
quietness  and  confidence,  in  which  for  the  most  part 
has  been  my  strength. 

•  Through  all  eternity  to  thee 
A  grateful  song  I'll  raise ; 
But,  O  eternity's  too  short 
To  utter  all  thy  praise.' 

''I  might  specify  particular  blessings,  but  it  would 
extend  beyond  the  bounds  of  a  letter.  With  me,  now 
as  you  read,  give  thanks  to  Him  whose  mercy  endur- 
eth  for  ever. 

"  One  of  the  richest  blessings  during  the  past  year, 
came  in  the  application  of  this  promise:  'Call  upon 
me,  and  I  will  answer,  and  show  thee  great  and  migh- 
ty things  which  thou  knowest  not.'  O,  it  was  glo- 
rious, glorious  beyond  description.  At  some  time  pre- 
vious, perhaps  two  weeks,  I  opened  Clarke  on  the  Pro- 
mises. This,  among  others,  I  read,  I  treasured  it  up 
in  memory — I  believed  it — I  took  God  at  his  word. 
I  plead  it  before  him.  When  applied,  it  was  great  and 
mighty  in  a  degree  of  which  I  knew  nothing  before. 
I  knew  not  but  the  hour  of  my  departure  had  come. 
It  seemed  as  if  my  soul  was  breathing  itself  out  of  the 
body. 


328  MEMOIR   OF 

"During  the  past  year  my  call  to  preach  the  Gospel 
has  been  made  so  satisfactorily  plain  that  there  is  not 
the  shadow  of  a  doubt  on  my  mind.  'Wo  is  me  if  I 
preach  not  the  Gospel.'  Like  other  rich  blessings,  it 
came  with  groans  which  could  not  be  littered.  O  for 
a  letting  into  our  souls  the  powerful,  availing,  in- 
xorought  prayer.  What  strength  does  it  give  the  Chris- 
tian !  How  it  prepares  for  an  attack  from  the  world, 
the  flesh,  or  the  d-evil !  What  a  staff  in  his  walks  of 
usefulness ! 

"You  are  friendly  to  a  candidate's  exercising  his 
gifts  in  public.  To  me  it  appears  to  be  an  essential  part 
of  his  preparatory  training.  Its  advantages  you  have 
long  considered.  To  corroborate  my  assertion,  I  couW 
mention  the  case  of  a  clergyman  now  occupying  an 
important  station  as  a  pastor.  In  his  preparatory 
course  he  was  shut  up  in  the  city  of a  close  stu- 
dent. Soon  after  being  licensed  to  preach,  he  was  or- 
dained over  the  flock  he  now  feeds.  He  wrote  and 
read  his  sermons.  In  the  pulpit  he  was  orthodox,  pi- 
ous, learned;  but  in  the  lecture-room  I  was  told  he 
could  not  proceed.  To  this  kind  of  training  I  have 
devoted  some  time  in  the  town,  as  well  as  in  college. 

"  As  a  proof  of  Paul's  apostleship,  he  pointed  to  his 
success.  To  the  Corinthians  he  said,  '  The  seal  of 
mine  apostleship  are  ye,  in  the  Lord.'  Shall  I  tell 
you?  It  is  with  diffidence,  lest  you  should  think  me 
forward  and  vain.  But  I  will  not  glory  of  myself.  It 
is  a  chain  in  God^s  providence ;  the  hook  was  fasten- 
ed upon  a  very  minute  circumstance — one  link  was 
added  to  another.  One  sinner  was  converted,  and  an- 
other, and  so  on  to  the  eighth.  Seven  have  since  join- 
ed the  church.     Was  I  not  happy  in  witnessing  their 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  329 

profession,  and  in  sitting  down  with  them  at  the  table 
of  our  Lord  ?  Perhaps,  last  spring,  I  labored,  besides 
ray  studies,  as  much  as  some  who  are  more  fully  in  the 
vineyard.  It  was  a  season  full  of  interest.  From 
week  to  week  1  now  try  to  act,  in  my  degree,  the  part 
of  an  ?^W(ier-shepherd  towards  those  lambs.  May  you, 
my  dear  sir,  see  them  in  paradise. 

"  The  scenes  witnessed  at  Rahway,  last  spring  va- 
cation, form  a  pleasing  association  with  the  year  1825. 
There,  as  you  may  have  known,  I  spent  most  of  five 
weeks.  O  what  a  time,  when  to  a  room  full  of  young 
converts  I  said,  '  Finally,  brethren,  farewell.'  Time 
glides  smoothly — swiftly  ;  studies  pleasant  for  the  most 
part.  The  New  Testament  in  the  original,  for  the  study 
of  which  I  have  the  best  critical  helps,  I  read  with  plea- 
sure, and  I  hope  with  profit ;  this  I  do  daily ;  I  long  to 
be.' mighty  in  the  Scriptures.'  True,  a  minister  may 
be  this,  and  yet  without  grace — may  be  like  the  sign 
of  an  inn.  For  as  the  one  points  out  a  resting-place 
for  the  wayfaring  man,  and  yet  itself  stands  without, 
so  a  graceless  minister  may  point  out  the  resting-place 
and  give  some  good  entertainment  for  the  pilgrim,  and 
yet  himself  be  blasted  with  the  storms  of  an  eternal 
night.  O  !  how  many,  like  the  bells  of  their  churches, 
may  have  called  for  others  to  enter,  and  may  have  suc- 
ceeded, and  yet  have  not  entered  themselves  into  the 
ark  !  It  was  a  saying  of  Hilary,  Sanctiores  sunt  aures 
plebis  quam  corda  sacerdotum  ;  which  may  be  freely 
rendered,  '  How  many  holy  sounds  are  in  the  ears  of 
the  people,  that  never  affected  the  hearts  of  the  priests.' 

"  Let  the  burden  of  your  united  prayer  for  me  be, 
that  I  may  be  holy  and  wise.  Holy,  to  enter  heaven; 
and  wise,  to  win  souls.  I  have  not  said  the  half  1 
28* 


330  MEMOIR    OP 

would,  nor  in  the  manner  intended ;  but  you  have  the 
eflfusions  of  a  heart  overflowing  with  its  best  feelings  ; 
for  I  owe  you  a  weight  of  love.  When  I  think  of  that 
stopping-place,  there  are  associated  all  your  cordial 
receptions,  from  my  'first  entering  m  unto  you' — all 
your  more  than  hospitable  entertainments — all  your 
afiectionate  adieus,  to  one  unworthy  to  come  under 
your  roof.  Farewell.  I  long  to  see  you  all.  '  Happy 
seasons  we  have  seen.'    But  adieu. 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

Diary.  "  Feb.  3. — A  month  has  elapsed  since  I  wrote 
in  my  journal.  I  sometimes  fear  I  am  partial  in  not 
entering  minutely  into  all  my  exercises.  But  I  only 
record  special  visitations  of  God;  and  hope,  m  their 
review  from  time  to  time,  I  may  be  able  afresh  to  re 
alize  '  the  good  hand  of  the  Lord,  which  has  been 
upon  me  for  good.' 

"  About  noon  to-day  I  went  to  seek  a  nearer  view  of 
him  whom  my  soul  loveth,  by  reading  the  Tract,  '  A 
choice  drop  of  honey  from  the  Rock  Christ ;  or  a  word 
of  advice  to  all  saints  and  sinners.'  After  dining,  I 
mused  and  read  again.  I  longed  for  the  coming  of  the 
Beloved — I  cast  myself  before  the  Lord  in  my  blessed 
kneeling-place,  and  felt  that  I  owed  God  more  than 
ten  thousand  talents,  and  had  not  one — no,  not  one  to 
pay  :  poor — poor  indeed.  With  a  clear  view  of  the 
demerit  of  sin,  I  could  point  to  Jesus  and  say,  there 
IS  my  only  plea.  It  was  enough,  for  long  since  hath 
the  Father  said,  '  In  him  am  I  well  pleased.'  The  in- 
describable breakings  of  my  heart  in  laying  hold  on 
God,  are  known  to  the  Giver.  It  was  a  sweet — melt 
ing  season.    Sin  never,  perhaps,  appeared  so  odious; 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  331 

it  was  in  my  view  the  great  evil ;  and  my  only  groan- 
ings,  which  at  limes  could  hardly  be  uttered,  were  for 
wisdom  and  holiness.  My  every  load  was  taken  off — 
I  smiled  under  the  light  of  my  Father's  countenance, 
and  glory,  glory  as  a  stream,  went  out  in  return  for  so 
great  a  blessing.  It  had  come  from  God,  and  now  it 
was  going  back  to  God.  Yet  on  my  knees,  my  soul 
was  again  melted  in  view  of  the  goodness  of  God. 
To-night  attended  my  meeting  in  town,  which  was 
solemn. 

"  Had  a  most  precious  season  before  the  Lord  while 
reading  the  Tract,  '  The  Church  Safe.'  The  strongest 
desire  excited  was,  that  God  would  glorify  himself 
through  my  instrumentality.  Spent  part  of  the  even- 
ing in  visiting  a  sick  friend,  whose  soul  seemed  re- 
freshed. Upon  my  leaving  her  she  said,  '  You  have 
been  my  best  physician  to-day.'  I  hardly  ever  saw  so 
visible  a  change  in  any  one  as  in  her  during  my  visit. 
Another  proof  that  they  that  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall 
renew  their  strength." 

To  Mr.  D.  and  family. 

"  February  3. 
"  So  far  as  I  can  see,  this  appears  to  be  the  order  in 
which  blessings  sometimes  come  upon  me.  The  Lord 
gives  me  to  see  my  meanness,  unworthiness,  nothing- 
ness, and  ill  desert^  until  brought  into  the  deepest  hu- 
miliation. Then  opens  Christ's  beauty,  worth,  full- 
ness, and  his  raising  the  sinner  as  high  as  his  sins 
would  sink  him  low.  Then,  with  streaming  eyes,  bro- 
ken heart,  groans  unutterable,  the  soul  longs  for  the 
coming  in  of  God — pants  for  the  overflowing  of  the 
cooling  stream — has  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One — 


332  MEMOIR    OF 

is  unburdened  wholly— filled  with  the  Spirit,  whose 
fruit  abounds  in  love,  and  peace,  and  joy.  Such  a  visit 
of  love  I  experienced  yesterday.  Sometimes  while  mu- 
sing the  fire  burns — the  Father  smiles — and  commu- 
nion is  sweet.  Thus,  for  the  most  part,  my  soul  is  kept 
in  'quietness  and  confidence.'  O  to  be  partakers  of  his 
holiness. 

"  7th. — I  proposed  to  a  few  fellow-students,  and 
would  propose  to  the  whole  Christian  world,  that  they 
would  each,  in  some  sort,  comply  with  the  declara- 
tion of  the  Psalmist,  '  that  prayer  shall  also  be  made 
continually  for  him ;'  at  twelve  o'clock  each  day,  say 
from  the  heart,  '  Thy  kingdom  come.' 

"This  morning  did  that  for  which  I  felt  condemn- 
ed. It  was  when  ofi*  my  guard.  I  raised  my  cry  to  the 
Lord,  and  trust  he  heard  me.  Learned  anew  the  lesson, 
'  Watch  and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  temptation.'  No 
one  was  injured  by  my  sin.  Lord,  cleanse  thou. me 
from  secret  faults. 

"  At  evening  devotion  had  a  blessed  refreshing. 
Sung, 

'Thou  only  Sovereign  of  my  heart.' 

Looking  at  the  watchmen  on  Zion's  walls,  my  heart 
bled  for  bleeding  Zion.  Considered  Jesus  as  the  grand 
Architect— as  fully  equal  to  the  great  work ;  and  felt 
persuaded  that  the  temple  would  be  completed,  how- 
ever unfaithful  and  unskillful  the  underworkmen  might 
be.  My  heart  broke  with  desire  for  the  bringing  in  of 
a  more  devoted  ministry.  I  saw  that  he  could  purify 
the  present  ministry,  and  make  them  all  holy,  labori- 
ous men — not  men-pleasers. 
"In  looking  at  myself,  I  felt  indescribably  mean  in 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  333 

my  own  eyes,  and  cried  out,  Oh,  my  ignorance !  and 
saw  that  it  must  be  of  the  Lord  if  ever  I  preach  the 
Gospel.  With  streaming  eyes  I  rose  to  fall  in  my 
kneeling-place,  repeating, 

'  Law  at  thy  feet  my  soul  would  lie  ; 

Here  safety  dwells  and  peace  divme , 
Still  let  me  live  beneath  thine  eye, 
For  life,  eternal  life,  is  thine.' 

I  bowed  with  groanings  v/hich  could  not  be  uttered, 
and  rose  praising  the  Lord. 

"  11th. — Night  before  last  I  got  away  from  God  by 
sinning  against  him.  Alas  !  how  aggravated  my  sin, 
after  such  overpowering  visits  of  love  !  Surely  I  ought 
never  more  to  have  offended  him.  Since  then,  but 
more  particularly  to-day,  till  noon,  I  felt  wounded  to 
the  quick.  Being  enabled  at  noon,  while  reading  a 
tract,  to  arraign  myself  more  closely  at  the  bar  of  con- 
science, I  plead  guilty,  fell  at  the  feet  of  sovereign 
mercy,  and  God  was  abundantly  gracious  to  a  rebel- 
lious child.  He  restored  my  soul.  He  delivered  me 
out  of  all  my  distresses. 

"  At  evening  devotion,  after  reading,  kneeled  where 
the  heavens  have  so  often  opened  over  me  and  let  down 
love,  abundant,  rich  and  free.  I  felt  fatigued  with  the 
labors  of  the  day,  and  expected  soon  to  rise.  I  was  led 
to  supplicate  for  my  father's  house.  I  asked  for  the 
little  ones,  and  for  my  nephews  and  nieces,  that  they 
might  be  Henry  Martyns  and  Harriet  Newells.  Then 
with  desire  inexpressible  I  longed  to  be  a  missionary 
In  the  midst  of  weeping  and  groaning  I  saw  that  I 
was  mean  and  ignorant ;  but  that  Jesus  was  a  com- 


334  MEMOIR  OF 

plete  master-builder.  My  cry  was  to  be  made  j&t  for 
the  very  station  upon  the  scaffold  around  his  temple  I 
should  occupy.  I  saw  clearly  that  all  things  are  possi- 
ble with  God — that  he  could  carry  me  through  the 
work  even  of  an  apostle.  Well,  he  knoweth  what  is 
best — and  that  is  best  for  me — sick  or  well — prosperi- 
ty or  adversity — rest  or  labor— earth  or  heaven.  Amen 
and  amen. 

"  It  was  pleasing  to  offer  up  my  soul  and  body,  my 
time,  talents,  influence,  possessions,  all  that  I  am  or 
hope  to  be.  I  felt  that  the  Lord  accepted  the  pittance 
I  had  to  give,  which  I  also  felt  was  his  before.  I  was 
greatly  blessed,  and  walking  my  room,  praised  him  as 
the  rock  of  my  salvation.  This  room  will  stand  a 
witness  to  my  prayers,  those  unanswered  are  lodged 
above.  It  will  also  stand  a  witness  to  my  follies  in 
departing  from  the  living  God.  But  they  are  all  for- 
given.   The  praise  belongeth  unto  God." 

On  the  20th  February  Mr.  Taylor  wrote  to  a  Chris- 
tian brother  who  also  had  the  ministry  in  view.  The 
letter  contains  some  passages  that  ought  to  be  pre- 
served. 

"  I  have  just  come  in  from  visiting  a  sick  Christian ; 
she  is  happy — sick  and  happy.  Brother,  in  our  minis- 
terial sphere,  should  we  ever  be  permitted  to  walk  in 
it,  I  think  no  higher  office  of  kindness  or  badge  of 
sonship  will  be  afforded  us,  than  to  visit  the  widow 
and  fatherless  in  their  affliction.  This  is,  indeed,  reli- 
gion, pure  and  undefiled  before  God.  Hence  it  is  im- 
portant that  we  have  our  memories  stored  with  hymns 
suitable  for  such  occasions. 


JAMES    BKAINERD    TAYLOR.  335 

"111  my  meditations  this  evening  I  thought  of  Mo- 
ses. He  had  well  nigh  entered  Canaan  ;  but,  for  his 
sin,  he  was  only  permitted  from  Pisgah's  top  to  view 
the  promised  land.  O  how  it  wrung  tears  from  my 
eyes  to  think  it  possible,  that  for  past  sins,  or  through 
sins  that  I  might  commit,  I  should  be  debarred  entering 
upon  the  holy  ministry.  I  know  I  do  not  deserve  this 
honor.  I  could  sigh  forth  a  prayer — Lord,  whether  I 
preach  the  Gospel  or  not,  purify  the  sons  of  Levi,  and 
sanctify  candidates  for  their  work. 

"  Perhaps  I  never  had  more  confidence  in  God,  as 
to  the  carrying  on  of  his  work  in  the  world.  I  have 
not  a  doubt  Jesus  will  reigJi.  And  my  soul  has  been 
exceeding  glad.  'Every  knee  shall  bow,  and  every 
tongue  shall  confess.'  " 

Diary,  March  9. — "  On  the  2d  and  5th  was  refresh- 
ingly visited  by  the  kind  returns  of  the  Spirit,  whom  I 
had  grieved  away.  But  it  was  only  through  groanings 
which  could  not  be  uttered.  This  was  only  a  fore- 
taste of  another  love-feast  which  I  enjoyed  soon  after, 
when  my  soul  was  melted  into  tenderness,  captiva- 
ted with  holiness,  and  longed  for  greater  likeness  to 
Christ.  My  views  and  experience  seemed  to  coincide 
with  Edwards',  when  he  said,  '  the  heaven  I  desire  is 
a  heaven  of  holiness.'  This  was  only  the  precursor  of 
another  and  richer  blessing  at  evening  devotion.  I 
have  yet  with  the  Lord  an  unanswered  petition  then 
preferred.  I  left  it  with  him.  I  believed  the  Lord 
could  bless  me  wonderfully.  I  believed  all  things 
were  possible  with  him ;  and  I  believed  he  would 
bless  me.  I  am  waiting  for  the  fulfillment  of  the  expec- 
tation raised  within  me,  I  trust,  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 


336 


MEMOIR    OP 


"  The  world  wanes — a  whole  surrender  is  growing 
in  importance.  Lord,  did  not  I  make  that  surrender 
to-day  ?  Keep  me— O  keep  me.  Have  1  sought  the 
honors  of  this  institution— or  of  the  literary  society 
with  which  I  am  connected  ?  Has  not  my  desire  pre- 
vailed for  the  honor  that  cometh  from  above  ?  Shall  I 
not  have  to  ascribe  much  to  the  distinguishing  grace 
of  ,God,  for  his  keeping  and  blessing  me  in  this  col- 
lege? May  my  ambition  be  to  fear,  love  and  serve 
God  ;  let  others  take  up  with  husks^  give  me  Christ; 
the  smiles  of  my  Father,  the  presence  of  my  Com- 
forter. Amen — my  loud  and  repeated  amen. 

"  19th,  Sabbath. — In  last  evening's  devotions  had 
nearness  of  access  to  God  in  remembering  my  beloved 
parents,  brothers  and  sisters.  Felt  particularly  for 
brother  F.  (now  in  Yale  College)  and  myself,  as  can- 
didates for  the  holy  ministry.  I  could  weep  before  the 
Lord  for  a  baptism  of  holy  fire  to  rest  on  us  both.  To- 
gether we  have  watched  our  Father's  flock,  together 
may  we  be  faithful  under-shepherds  over  the  flock  of 
God.  I  love  my  brother— I  trust  God  loves  him.  Our 
hearts  are  united. 

"  Pvemembered  those  among  whom  I  have  been  la- 
boring from  time  to  time.  What  interesting  groups  of 
young  converts  have  I  seen.  I  think  I  have  felt  some- 
what as  Paul  did,  when  he  said,  '  Now  we  live,  if  ye 
stand  fast  in  the  Lord.'  Alas  !  how  soon  are  the 
lambs  torn  in  pieces  !  how  alert  should  the  shepherd  be. 

"  Sabbath  morning.— My  soul  has  melted  down  at 
the  presence  of  Jesus  I  A  'pressure  of  love  rested  on 
me,  and  praise,  praise,  praise  in  a  stream  went  up  from 
my  inmost  soul!  This  mystery,  'Christ  in  you,  the 
hope  of  glory,'  has  never  appecired  so  wonderful.  Hea- 


JAMES    BRAIN ERD    TAYLOR.  337 

ven  appeared  truly  desirable.  Yet  I  desired  to  live,  if 
I  might,  to  bring  many  souls  to  glory.  I  should  love 
much  to  send  thither  many  a  band  of  young  converts. 
I  desired  it  much,  even  if  at  a  distance  I  should  only 
be  a  looker-on.  My  love  to  God's  children  was  great- 
ly increased  ;  and  my  desire  for  a  clean  heart  was  in- 
tense. It  was  given,  and  my  eyes  ran  down  with  tears 
— sweet  tears  ! 

"  24th. — '  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are 
heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest ' — selected  as 
the  theme  for  my  meeting  this  evening.  Having 
thought  of  it,  it  was  applied  sweetly  to  my  own  soul 
at  evening  devotion.  I  was  not  burdened  nor  weary  ; 
but  my  rest  was  increased. 

"  I  have  been  thinking  to-day  upon  our  ships  of  war 
as  spheres  of  future  labor.  I  have  thought  of  them 
before,  but  to-day  with  some  desire,  if  God  will,  to 
engage  as  a  chaplkin.  '  A  man's  heart  deviseth  his 
way,  but  the  Lord  directeth  his  steps.'  May  I  be  a 
good  man ;  for  the  steps  of  a  good  man  are  ordered 
by  the  Lord. 

''  25th. — From  the  testimony  of  a  brother  who  at- 
tended the  party  last  evening,  it  seems  that,  as  usual, 
lightness  prevailed.  I  was  invited  ;  but  attended  my 
party,  my  usual  society  meeting.  Enough,  enough 
have  I  had  of  fashionable  tea-parties  to  prove  that, 
to  me  at  least,  they  are  unprofitable.  This  brother  told 
me  that  he  felt  the  worse  for  attending.  Q,uery,  Is  it 
right  to  expend  money  for  the  dissipation  of  the  mind  ? 
to  say  nothing  of  the  deleterious  effects  that  such  variety 
of  viands,  generally  taken  to  satiety,  have  upon  the  cor- 
poreal system,  especially  on  persons  of  sedentary  ha- 
bits. I  was  glad  of  so  good  an  apology  as  my  meeting. 

29  J.  B  Taylor. 


338  MEMOIR    OF 

"  30th. — Memorable,  memorable  day  !  It  has  been 
a  day  of  days  to  me.  In  it  much  lias  been  unspeaka- 
ble and  full  of  glory.  On  my  knees  I  recorded  my  re- 
solution never  more  to  boast  save  in  the  cross  of  Christ. 
While  before  the  Lord,  I  have  been  much  affected 
with  the  view  of  his  overwhelming  greatness,  and  of 
my  own  infinite — infinite  littleness.  No  wonder  that 
the  beloved  disciple  became  as  a  dead  man.  No  won- 
der that  Moses  feared  and  quaked.  But  it  is  indescriba- 
ble. I  have  felt  so  infinitely  unworthy,  that  I  could  not 
look  up  ;  yet  my  hope  in  God  is  raised  on  high.  God's 
greatness,  connected  with  his  amazing  love  and  con 
descension,  affected  me  much.  I  indeed  felt  constrained 
to  say,  '  I  am  a  worm,  and  no  man.' 

"  The  love  of  Jesus,  his  life,  sufferings  and  death 
and  the  opposition  to  him,  as  manifested  by  the  im 
penitent,  affected  me  much.    The  holy  influences  of 
the  Spirit  of  grace,  and  the  remembrance  of  ever  hav- 
ing grieved  him,  affected  me  much. 

"  To  depart  and  be  with  Christ  I  felt  to  be  desirable. 
Though  so  undeserving — unworthy  even  to  be  a  door- 
keeper in  the  house  of  my  God  here,  yet  I  could  anti- 
cipate the  day  when  he  would  take  his  exile  home. 

"  Heaven  was  regarded  as  a  holy  place.  I  was  glad 
in  the  prospect  of  holy  society — God,  angels,  and 
saints.  The  thought  of  dying  to  know  more,  was  plea- 
sant. But  at  evening  devotion  my  will  was  absorbed 
in  the  will  of  God.  '  I  give  my  mortal  interests  up,  and 
make  my  God  my  all.'  Praise  belongeth  unto  God. 
Let  all  things  praise  him.  Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul. 

"  April  2.— Sabbath.— 'If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know 
how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much 
more  shall  your  Father  who  is  in  heaven,  give  the 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  339 

Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him.'  This  scripture  was 
graciously  applied  to  me  at  evening  devotion,  upon 
which  I  received  an  increase  of  the  Spirit's  influen- 
ces. I  believed,  and  according  to  my  faith  so  it  was. 

"  9th. — Sabbath  evening. — The  last  Lord's  day  in 
college  this  session,  and  to  be  remembered  as  amon 
the  most  precious.  Reviewing  this  session,  I  have 
much  to  remember,  and  more  than  I  can  record  of  the 
goodness  of  God  to  me.  Scientific  pursuits  have  led 
me  into  an  acquaintance  with  subjects  before  unknown 
to  me.  Lord,  sanctify  this  knowledge. 

"  The  study  of  the  New  Testament  in  the  Greek 
has  opened  to  my  mind  many  things  before  hid  from 
me.  Yet,  deeper  would  I  dig  into  this  rich,  exhaust- 
less  mine  ;  for  the  deeper,  the  more  lucid  and  brjlliant 
the  precious  gem  of  truth  appears.  Lord,  sanctify  me 
through  thy  truth  :  thy  word  is  truth.  My  weekly  ex- 
ercises with  the  people  among  whom  I  have  gone  la- 
boring, with  the  view  of  stirring  up  any  gift  I  may  pos- 
sess, and  of  edifying  my  little  congregation,  has  been 
of  service  to  me*  Lord,  all  that  was  amiss  forgive ; 
own  what  was  thine,  and  may  fruit  appear  at  the  last 
day.  To  my  brethren  in  college,  too,  in  our  weekly 
assembly,  I  have  not  failed  to  be  plain,  pointed,  and  I 
hope  affectionate. 

"  To  the  institution  as  a  body,  I  have  done  but  little. 
If  it  was  my  duty,  I  have  not  done  it.  I  have  not  gone 
from  room  to  room  and  '  warned  every  man  night  and 
day  with  tears.'  Only  to  a  few  have  I  been  personal 
in  my  interviews.  Shall  these  dear  souls  be  lost 
through  my  miscarriage  towards  them?  In  view  of 
this  subject,  and  some  others,  this  day 

'^Resolved,  that  I  will,  the  Lord  being  my  helper, 


340  MEMOIR    OF 

think,  speak,  and  act  as  an  individual :  for  as  such 
I  must  live — as  such  I  must  die,  stand  before  God,  be 
judged,  be  damned  or  saved  for  ever  and  ever.  I  have 
been  waiting  for  others  to  go  forward.  I  must  act  as  il 
I  were  the  only  one  to  act,  and  wait  no  longer. 

"  The  days  of  darkness  have  been  few,  and  only 
when  I  slipped  back  from  God.  He  has  not  withdrawn 
from  me ;  but  I  have  most  ungratefully  and  basely 
withdrawn  from  him.  As  the  earth  rolls  and  involves 
itself  in  darkness,  so  by  my  turning  from  the  Sun  of 
righteousness  have  I  been  involved  in  darkness  ;  nor 
till  turned  back  again,  did  I  walk  in  the  light,  as  he  is 
in  the  light ;  yet,  though,  like  Peter,  I  fell,  the  Lord 
turned  and  looked  on  me  again,  and,  like  Peter,  O  how 
bitterly  I  wept.  I  do  not  remember  that  I  once  came 
back  but  with  tears  and  groans  which  could  not  be  ut- 
tered. When  away,  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children, 
so  the  Lord  pitied  me.  A  father's  pity  to  his  wayward 
child  is  often  manifested  by  the  lifted  rod  ;  so  my  hea- 
venly Father  hath  ever  used  the  discipline  of  the  co- 
venant, and  followed  me  till  I  again  felt  the  Spirit  of 
his  Son  uttering  in  my  inmost  soul,  'Abba,  Father.' 

"  The  days  of  peace  have  been  multiplied,  seasons 
of  holy  unction  have  been  vouchsafed,  powerfully  con- 
straining cords  of  love  have  bound  me  closer  to  the 
bosom  of  my  Lord.  Clearer,  more  elevating,  and  at 
the  same  time  soul-humbling  manifestations  of  Jesus 
have  been  enjoyed.  In  a  word,  my  heavenly  Father  has 
smiled  most  graciously  ;  Jesus  has  showed  to  me  his 
life,  his  labors,  his  sufferings  and  death,  his  exaltation 
and  intercession,  and  his  love  and  care  for  me.  The 
Comforter  has  dwelt  in  me  as  his  temple,  and  I  have 
sweetly  contemplated  saints  and  angels  as  my  future 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  341 

companions,  and  heaven  as  my  home.  With  increas- 
ing desire  I  long  to  enter  the  field,  to  lay  out  my 
strength  for  God. 

"  Not  knowing  what  the  Lord  has  for  me  to  do,  I 
am  kept  from  what,  perhaps,  would  be  as  pleasant  to 
me  as  to  another,  and  at  which  some  have  been  led 
to  wonder.  Some  may  think  me  stoically  indifferent 
to  the  connubial  state — but  I  fear  to  act  prematurely. 
It  is  this  which  restrains  me  from  taking  any  steps  in 
that  matter.  When  it  is  clearly  one's  duty  to  seek 
such  a  connection,  will  not  a  prudent  wife  come  from 
the  Lord  ?  Sometimes  I  think  of  this,  and  wish  that 
ministers  would  see  well  to  it,  that  they  obtain  in  their 
companions  an  increase  of  power  to  help  on  their  work. 

"  The  blessings  attending  our  happy  household  in- 
crease. May  we  ever  stand  fast,  and  always  abound 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord.  I  hope  to  see  them  soon. 
May  I  go  in  the  fullness  of  the  blessing  of  the  Gospel 
of  peace,  be  blessed  and  made  a  great  blessing  to  them, 
and  to  all  with  whom  I  may  associate. 

"  This  has  been  a  day  of  the  renewal  of  my  cove- 
nant. Once  more  I  have  had  the  most  honorable  seat 
on  earth,  a  place  at  the  Lord's  table.  It  was  a  precious 
waiting  upon  God.  I  again  took  the  oath  of  allegiance, 
showed  forth  the  Lord's  death,  remembered  him,  and 
gave  thanks. 

"  May  18,  1826. — Since  writing  the  above,  have 
visited  my  father's  house.  Returning,  I  have  noAV  en- 
tered upon  my  last  session  in  college.  Already  hath 
it  been  signalized  with  a  most  gracious  visitation ;  the 
college  opened  this  day  at  noon — at  evening  devotion 
the  Holy  Spirit  was  vouchsafed.  My  heart's  desire 
was,  that  this  session  might  be  more  glorious  than  any 
29* 


342  MEMOIR   OF 

before ;  my  prayer,  that  no  blot  might  attach  to  me  ;  I 
gave  my  interests  up  to  my  faithful  Keeper. 

"27th.  Sabbath. — The  past  week  has  been  a  glori- 
ous one  to  me,  with  the  exception  of  nearly  a  day, 
when  I  wandered  from  God  in  doing  what  1  ought  not 
to  have  done.  The  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  so  far  as  they 
have  been  produced  in  my  soul,  have  been  love,  joy, 
peace,  faith,  and  gentleness." 

"  This  last  trait  in  James  Taylor's  character,"  says 
a  friend,  "  was  particularly  observable.  He  did  every 
thing  with  gentleness.  It  was  this  which  rendered  his 
reproofs  so  inoffensive  and  effectual  in  his  intercourse 
with  his  friends  and  with  strangers.  This  character- 
istic, added  to  a  familiarity  and  playfulness  peculiar- 
ly his  own,  rendered  him  the  favorite  of  the  children 
of  the  families  in  which  he  visited,  for  whom  he  al- 
ways manifested  an  affectionate  regard,  and  whom  he 
would  attempt  to  interest  and  benefit  by  relating  some 
story  from  the  Bible,  or  some  striking  incident  in  the 
history  of  some  child  he  had  read  of,  or  had  known. 
His  gentleness  appeared  in  all  his  movements ;  he 
would  even  raise  the  latch  of  the  door  noiselessly. 
And  on  entering  a  house  of  prayer,  or  any  place  of  re- 
ligious worship,  he  v/alked  as  lightly  as  on  tiptoe.  He 
made  tbis  a  principle  of  action,  and  rendered  it,  as  he 
desired,  a  habit ;  and  would  remark,  when  speakmg 
of  conducting  religious  worship,  that  this  habit  was 
most  desirable  in  the  minister,  as  rendering  the  place 
of  meeting  more  impressive  and  solemn." 

"My  seasons  of  prayer  in  the  evening,"  continues 
his  journal,  "  have  been  times  of  special  blessing,  in- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR,  343 

describable,  sometimes /w/Z  of  glory.  My  heart  broke 
with  the  longings  it  had  to  live  to  and  for  God — re- 
joiced that  Christ  was  in  me  the  hope  of  glory. 

"  Before  retiring  to  rest  last  night,  as  usual  knelt  be- 
side my  bed.  My  renewed  petition  was  that  I  might 
possess,  in  as  high  a  degree  as  possible  in  this  world, 
the  life  of  God  in  my  soul.  In  the  night,  while  asleep, 
I  thought  myself  in  company  with  S and  an- 
other person.  I  arose  and  spoke.  The  Spirit  of  God 
seemed  to  come  upon  me  in  an  unusual  manner,  and 
powerfully  attended  my  words.  The  whole  house 
seemed  to  be  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost.  I  was  over- 
powered, and  sweetly  swooned  away.  I  put  no  inter- 
pretation upon  this  dream.  My  prayer  has  been,  my  pe- 
tition noiD  is.  Lord,  go  with  me  to  my  meeting ;  clothe 
me  with  power ;  give  efficacy  to  thy  word,  and  let  sin- 
ners be  awakened  and  converted  unto  thee,  while  I  ad- 
dress them  from — '  Sirs,  what  shall  I  do  to  be  saved  ?' 
When  I  awoke  from  the  forementioned  dream,  I  trem- 
bled ;  I  felt  as  if  God  had  been  near,  and  so  near  that 
I  feared.  1  endeavored  to  throw  myself  on  his  kind 
arms,  and  to  wait  his  coming,  when  and  how  he  should 
please.  Even  if  I  should  lose  my  life  under  his  mani- 
festations, I  would  trust  him. 

"I  have  been  much  blessed  in  reading  Bellamy's 
characteristics  of  love  to  God.  Was  greatly  refreshed 
before  I  went  to  the  people  this  afternoon.  Now  I  re- 
tire to  rest  after  a  Sabbath  day  richly  fraught  with  di- 
vine blessings.  O  to  hold  fast  whereunto  I  have  at- 
tained. I  renew  my  petition.  Lord,  accomplish  thy 
will  in  me,  and  make  me  all  that  thou  wouldst  have 
me  to  be  in  this  world.  I  desired  to-day  to  be  wholly 
devoted  to  the  Lord. 


344  MEMOIR   OF 

"May  31st. — Heard  from,  and  wrote  to  brother  P 
at  Yale  college." 

The  letter  written  to  that  brother,  himself  also  pre- 
paring for  the  ministry,  is  as  follows : 

"Nassau-Hall,  May  31,  1826. 
"DearF. 

"  Ere  this  you  are  in  New-Haven.  To-day  you 
commence  your  session.  Begin  it  with  God.  Con- 
tinue it  walking  with  God.  Then,  whether  you  end 
it  or  not,  you  will  be  found  with  -ini.  Thus  I  com- 
menced the  session  upon  which  I  have  entered.  And  if 
I  had  time,  I  might  testify  to  the  loving-kindness  of 
the  Lord.  Suffice  it  to  say,  his  manifestations  have 
been  overwhelming.     Praise  him  on  my  behalf. 

"  I  think  the  world  recedes  yet  more  and  more,  as 
God  comes  in  and  abides.  One  thing  with  me  is  par- 
amount, and  to  this  one  thing  I  would  endeavor  to 
bend  all  my  powers,  that  is,  to  preach  Christ,  to  learn 
of  him,  and  teach  others,  so  as  to  arrive  safe  at  heaven 
myself,  and  be  the  means  of  guiding  others  there. 

"  Brother,  let  us  feel,  let  us  ask  God  to  impress  in- 
delibly on  our  hearts  the  solemn  truth  that  we  are 
identified  with  this  generation,  and  bound  to  serve  it. 
Soon,  say  in  thirty  years,  where  will  these  millions  of 
souls  be  ?  We  are  a  part  of  them.  What  power,  un- 
der God,  have  we  over  them?  Whatever  it  is,  let  U3 
put  it  all  in  requisition  on  the  side  approved  of  God. 

"  Try  to  enjoy  more  of  God  in  your  own  soul. 
Think  not  that  you  can  do  this  and  cling  to  the  world 
at  all.  Superfluities  must  be  abandoned ;  and  when 
GoCi  pours  salvation  into  the  soul,  every  superfluity 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  345 

will  appear  to  be  of  no  worth.  Let  us  give  up  all  for 
a  whole  Christ  in  us,  living  and  reigning  there — living 
and  reigning.  O  my  brother,  I  heard  a  godly  man 
say  last  evening  in  an  address,  'I  believe  that  not  one 
half  of  the  'professors  of  religion  will  ever  cross  the 
threshold  of  heaven.'  Let  us  also  beware  lest  a 
promise  being  left  us  of  entering  in,  we  should  come 
short  of  it.  The  blessing  of  the  Eternal  rest  on  you 
and  me.  James." 

Diary.  "June  4. — Sabbath. — The  past  week  has 
not  been  so  signalized  as  the  preceding  by  successive 
visitations.  Last  evening  had  a  peculiar  season  be- 
fore the  Lord.  I  had  desired  of  God  to  give  me  a  deep 
sense  of  the  turpitude  of  sin.  The  process  through 
which  I  received  it  was  more  varied  and  better  felt 
than  can  be  described — but  it  came ;  and  never  did  I 
have  so  clear  and  pungent,  yet  not  distressimg  but 
loathing  view  of  sin.  It  was  proportioned  to  the  dis- 
coveries I  had  of  the  infinite  holiness  of  God. 

"  Such  a  season  of  sweet  submission  of  my  will  to 
the  will  of  God  was  given,  that  I  wept,  and  cried, 
glory — glory — glory.  This  was  as  spontaneous  as  my 
breath,  I  was  brought  to  see  and  feel  my  utter  help- 
lessness as  never  before,  and  throw  myself  on  God, 
who  graciously  received  me  and  afforded  me  the  com- 
munications of  his  love.  But  my  nothingness  !  Infi- 
nite is  stamped  upon  the  amazing  contrarieties.  God 
is  infinitely  holy.  One  sin  of  mine  is  deserving  in- 
finite damnation ;  and  I  should  have  it,  were  it  not 
for  an  infinite  merit  in  Jesus  Christ,  for  whose  sake 
the  infinite  God  stoops  infinitely,  and  takes  up  an  in- 
finitely unworthy,  self-condemning  wretch — O  where 


346  MEMOIR   OF 

shall  I  find  an  epithet  ?— dreg,  from  a  loathsome,  horri- 
ble pit,  to  an  infinitely  exalted  station.  '  If  sons,  then 
-heirs— heirs  of  God  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ.'  O 
glory  infinite  be  unto  the  infinite  God.  And  what  do  I 
profit  him  ?  O  wonder  of  wonders  !  '  Where  can  a 
creature  hide?' 

"June  11 — Sabbath. — During  the  past  week  a  union 
has  been  formed  among  the  brethren  to  pray  for  the 
outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  us  and  the  college. 

"  On  the  7th,  in  the  evening,  had  such  a  view  of  sin 
as  to  make  me  look  at  the  least  aberration  as  enough 
to  induce  me  to  cry.  Lord,  come  over  the  mountains 
of  my  iniquities  !  I  had  an  application  of  Paul's  words, 
with  a  consciousness  that  I  had  nought— no  not  apar- 
ticle,  whereof  to  glory ;  so  that  I  was  enabled,  with 
an  uncommon  sinking  and  emptying  of  self,  to  put  the 
crown  on  the  head  of  Christ.  These  were  the  words  : 
'  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory  save  in  the  cross  of 
Christ,'  &c. 

"Warm  to-day,  and  I  have  felt  much  lassitude. 
May  duties  be  omitted  because  the  weather  is  hot?  Is 
this  an  excuse  ? 

"  18th — Sabbath. — Brother came  in  the  even- 
ing to  tell  me  of  an  experience  he  had  this  forenoon. 
He  remarked  that  the  enjoyment  of  the  one  hour  he 
would  not  give  for  all  he  had  ever  known.  From  what 
I  have  heard  him  express  in  former  conversations,  and 
his  narrative  now,  perhaps  he  never  experienced  reli- 
gion till  to-day.  He  seems  happy  in  God.  I  advised 
him  to  say  nothing  of  it  to  any  other  till  he  had  fuller 
proof  that  it  was  a  work  of  God.  O  that  such  in- 
stances might  occur  daily.  Better  away  with  rottea 
hopes  here,  than  wait  till  the  judgment,  and  then  lose 
them. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  347 

"Lord,  establish  thou  me  in  holiness  and  righteous- 
ness all  the  days  of  my  life.  My  enjoyment  during 
the  last  week  has  been  peace  flowing  as  a  river.  J. 
hope  I  am  growing  in  knowledge  for  personal  edifica- 
tion and  future  usefulness.  My  present  plan*  multi- 
plies subjects  to  preach  upon,  and  may  prove  an  armo- 
ry whence  to  draw  weapons  for  my  warfare,  which  is 
not  carnal,  but  to  be  carried  on  with  the  sword  of  the 
Spirit. 

"  The  Bible — in  contemplating  its  truth,  I  was  ex- 
cited to  cry  out,  '  Blessed  Bible !  blessed  Bible  1 
blessed  Bible  !'  It  so  much  engrosses  my  leisure  time 
that  other  books  are  neglected.  O  to  be  mighty  in  the 
Scriptures !  Here  I  compare  '  spiritual  things  with 
spiritual.' 

"  Had  a  right  feeling  for  one  who  has  manifested  a 
bad  spirit  towards  me.  My  soul  yearned  for  his  con- 
version. O  for  the  coming  down  of  the  Holy  Ghost ! 
Soon  I  shall  be  gone  from  this  institution.  As  I  lay 
down  the  other  night,  had  solemn  thoughts  of  dying, 
and  sweet  prospects  of  going  from  this  to  a  higher 
sphere.  The  thought  of  dying  to  know  more  of  God 
and  of  his  works — perhaps  in  other  systems — has  oc- 
cupied my  mind  much  lately.  Surely  I  would  not  live 
here  always — to  die,  /  believe,  is  gain—io  be  with 
Christ  is  best. 

"  June  21. — The  consideration  that  I  had  been  three 
years  almost  in  college,  without  conversing  with  my 
fellow-students,  was  heart-breaking.  To  go  forward 
seemed  to  be  too  heavy  a  cross.    What !  be  pointed 

*  Making  notes  on  the  Scriptures,  in  his  daily  reading.  Of 
these  skeletons  he  has  left  hundreds,  from  which  he  used  to 
speak  extemporaneously. 


348 


MEMOIK   Of 


at!  Be  subject  to  their  ridicule  and  reproach  !  Do  this 
all  alone !  The  struggle  was  great,  but  it  came  to  this  : 
Resolved,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  by  his  help,  to 
begin  and  do  my  duty  in  college,  in  conversing  w'ith 
my  companions  in  study.  1  repeated  the  resolution, 
and  afterwards  felt  much  relief.  O  that  some  would 
come  over  and  help.  But  if  not  a  soul  comes  to  my 
help,  I  am  to  see  and  converse  with  the  students  of 
this  college,  if  they  will  allow  it,  cost  what  it  will. 
My  character  is  not  worth  a  cent,  nor  my  influence; 
nor  my  acquirements,  aside  from  the  service  of  God— 
O  for  help.  While  at  prayers,  my  burden  left  me  in 
consideration  of  this  truth  :  '  If  any  man  will  be  my 
disciple,  let  him  deny  himself  and  take  up  his  cross 
and  follow  me.'  The  thought  of  having  my  name  cast 
out  as  evil  for  Christ's  sake,  sent  sAveet  exultation 
into  my  soul.  While  there,  I  determined  to  invite  a 
class-mate  into  my  room  and  talk  with  him.  It  came 
in  the  way,  but  my  heart  well  nigh  failed  me.  But  I 
addressed  him— he  followed  me,  and  I  pray  God,  who 
witnessed  the  interview,  to  raise  in  power  to  his  own 
glory  what  was  sown  in  weakness. 

"July  2.— Sabbath.— The  past  week  has  been  one  of 
crosses.  The  cross  which  I  have  laid  hold  on  with  so 
much  difficulty,  I  have  onlydragged  since.  With  twen- 
ty impenitent  companions,  I  have  attempted  to  speak 
in  reference  to  eternal  things.  The  mouths  of  most 
were  stopped.  They  listened  and  assented  to  the  truth. 

"  I  never  had  such  views  of  some  passages  of  Scrip- 
ture :  '  Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall  revile  you,  and 
persecute  you,  and  say  all  manner  of  evil  against  you 
falsely  for  my  sake.  Rejoice  and  be  exceeding  glad  ; 
for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven  ;  for  so  persecuted 


JAMES    BRAINKHD     J'AYLOK.  349 

they  the  prophets  which  were  before  you.'  '  Who  shall 
harm  you,  if  ye  be  followers  of  that  which  is  good.'  '  It 
is  sufficient  that  the  servant  be  as  his  Master,  and  the 
disciple  as  his  Lord.'  '  If  they  have  persecuted  ?7ie,  they 
will  also  persecute  you.'  '  Consider  him  that  endured 
such  contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself,  lest  ye  be 
weary  and  faint  in  your  minds.'  '  Ye  have  not  yet  re- 
sisted unto  blood.''  '  No  weapon  formed  against  thee 
shall  prosper.' 

."The  long-suffering  patience  of  God  towards  sin- 
ners, daring,  God-hating  sinners,  such  as  I  once  was, 
wears  a  new  aspect.  If  I  hate  their  ways — if  I  am 
pained  at  their  wickedness,  how  must  infinite  purity 
look  upon  them  !  Surely  it  can  make  no  compromise 
"with  sin.  The  least  sin  is  infinitely  hateful  in  God's 
sight ;  and  the  day  is  coming  when  his  enemies  must 
feel  it  so  in  their  dreadful  punishment. 

"  The  honor  and  cause  of  God  were  never  more  dear 
to  me.  Last  evening's  devotions  were  peculiarly  melt- 
ing. I  never  had  such  a  burning  desire  and  such  ear- 
nest wrestlings  for  sinners  in  this  college.  I  wept  sore, 
and  left  the  cause  of  God  and  the  honor  of  his  great 
name  suspended  upon  his  righteous  sovereignty, 
where  I  also  wish  to  hang.  It  was  a  time  of  sweet 
relief.    I  gained  the  liberty  which  I  needed. 

"  In  view  of  my  late  attempts  here,  I  find  much  to 
humble  me.  I  asked  the  Lord  to  cast  a  veil  of  pardon 
over  my  best  deeds — best !  indeed,  I  could  see  no  good- 
ness in  them  ;  but  I  saw  that  he  can  reach  down  his 
sovereign  arm  and  pluck  these  sinners  as  brands  from 
the  burning.  Had  a  refreshing  season  in  the  meeting 
with  the  brethren,  as  usual,  on  Saturday  night.  In 
prayer  for  the  Holy  Ghost  to  be  poured  out  as  a  sove- 

on  J.  B.  Taylor. 


350  MEMOIR    OF 

reign  gift,  I  was  melted  and  stopped,  and  repeated  the 
cry,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly. 

"  Nine  o'clock,  evening. — I  have  felt,  and  to  this  hour 
feel,  that  the  glory  is  eclipsed.  During  sermon  this  A. 
M.,  I  listened  with  interest.  In  one  part  of  the  appli- 
cation, power  seemed  to  attend  the  w^ord  ;  and  I  earn- 
estly prayed  that  it  might  go  to  the  hearts  of  sinners 
present.  The  desire  was  so  intense,  that  it  seemed  to 
partake  of  the  spirit  of  Moses  at  the  rock.  I  felt  that 
it  did  not  lie  with  meekness  on  the  sovereignty  of 
God.  A  hardness  came  into  my  soul — I  lamented,  1 
bewailed  it.  It  is  now  there.  O  !  sin,  what  hast  thou 
done  ?  enough  to  sink  my  soul  to  hell.  Sin,  the  least 
sin  presses  heavily  on  me.  I  see  that  it  is  an  infinite 
evil ;  and  that  those  who  enter  heaven  sin  no  more. 
This  makes  heaven  in  my  view  chiefly  desirable.  '  The 
heaven  that  I  desire,  is  a  heaven  of  holiness.'  But 
what  of  this  ?  What  if  I  had  been  as  holy  as  an  angel  ? 
One  sin  resting  on  me  is  a  load  too  heavy  to  be  borne ; 
and  here  it  beclouds  every  object,  and  cools  every  ser- 
vice. Lo,  I  feel  it — and  will  God  forgive  me '?  Will 
he  take  away  my  stony  heart  ?  Will  he  give  me  a  heart 
of  flesh  ?  O  !  how  it  dries  up  my  spirits  !  I  offer  no  ex- 
cuse ;  for  there  is  none  for  sin.  But  I  did  not  intend 
to  interfere  with  the  sovereignty  of  God.  If  in  any 
thing,  I  think  in  this  my  soul  has  rejoiced.  And  if  I 
perish,  let  God  reign.  If  I  be  dashed  like  a  potter's 
vessel,  let  God  reign,  and  reign  for  ever.  I  will  bear 
the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  because  I  have  sinned 
against  him ;  until  he  plead  my  cause,  and  execute 
judgment  for  me :  he  will  bring  me  forth  to  light,  and 
I  shall  behold  his  righteousness.  For  if  we  sin,  we 
have  an  advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  351 

righteous,  who  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  his 
blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  This  one  thing  I  desire, 
and  will  still  seek  after,  to  be  holy  and  wise." 

We  regret  to  say  that  the  foregoing  extracts  termi- 
nate Mr.  Taylor's  diary,  with  the  exception  of  a  small 
fragment  in  the  year  1828,  which  shall  be  noticed  in 
its  place.  It  is  plain,  indeed,  that  this  valuable  exercise 
had  been  followed  through  the  intervening  time,  but 
the  record  was  probably  destroyed  by  himself,  as  it 
was  not  found  among  his  papers.  We  regret  this  the 
more,  because,  as  he  advanced  in  his  course,  he  be- 
came more  and  more  occupied,  so  that  his  letters,  as 
far  as  they  have  been  recovered,  are  not  so  numerous, 
and  for  the  most  part  written  in  haste.  Still,  however, 
materials  sufficient  are  in  hand  to  enable  us  to  form  a 
complete  estimate  of  Mr.  Taylor's  character,  and  to 
hold  him  up  as  affording  a  most  instructive  example 
to  Christians,  students,  candidates  for  the  ministry, 
and  ministers  of  the  Gospel. 

To  his  brother  F.,  Mr.  Taylor  wrote  on  the  8th  of 
August,  and  referring  to  the  misconduct  of  some  mem- 
bers of  college,  says, 

"  How  happy,  my  dear  brother,  that  heaven  has 
placed  a  barrier  between  us  and  such  excesses.  Let 
us  be  humble  and  thankful.  Let  us  consecrate  those 
powers  to  God  which  others  prostitute  in  the  service 
of  sin  and  Satan." 

To  another  of  his  brothers,  an  elder  in  one  of  the 
churches  in  New- York,  he  wrote  about  the  same  time, 
as  follows : 


352  MEMOIR   OP 

"  That  the  little  Zion,  on  whose  walls  you  have 
your  place,  gather  strength,  is  good  news.  May  the 
tree  planted  in  so  rich  a  soil,  strike  deep  its  roots  and 
shoot  wide  its  branches.  Blossoms,  it  seems,  have  al- 
ready ripened  into  fruit.  May  successive  spring  sea- 
sons come  round,  and  no  blight  appear.  May  the  heart 
of  your  beloved  pastor,  and  the  hearts  of  the  office- 
bearers, and  of  the  little  flock,  all  rejoice  together  in 
the  ingathering  of  not  a  little  fruit.  '  In  the  morning 
sow  thy  seed,  and  in  the  evening  withhold  not  thy 
hand.'  And  may  your  inquiry,  both  early  and  late,  at 
his  temple,  meet  with  responses  to  encourage  and  ani- 
mate you  all  to  do  much  for  Zion.  '  O  Zion,  that 
bringest  good  tidings  !'  What  else  is  worth  living  for? 
Dear  brother,  may  our  sensibilities  be  most  tender  for 
Zion — bleeding  Zion — Zion,  against  which  the  wicked 
are  arrayed ;  but  whose  cause  God,  angels,  and  saints 
have  espoused,  and  will  never  desert.  How  strong  our 
consolation  !  for  when  we  lend  our  aid  to  this  cause, 
we  are  sure  that  it  will  prosper.  Hath  the  Lord  said 
it,  and  shall  he  not  do  it?  Those  whose  hearts  have 
been  enlarged  to  embark  in  this  cause,  but  who  now, 
from  reverses  in  business,  must  curtail  their  contribu- 
tions, will  not  repine  that  so  much  has  been  safely 
lodged.  Will  not  the  Lord  recompense  them  a  hun- 
dred fold  ? 

"  When  any  fail,  it  is  an  affliction  ;  but  how  much 
greater  the  affliction  when  the  benevolent  fail  !  True, 
God  can  open  new  fountains  and  multiply  streams, 
when  some  are  dried  up:  and,  before  Zion's  cause 
shall  fail  for  want  of  funds,  will  he  not  unlock  the 
earth's  coffers  and  bring  forth  millions  to  her  aid? 
We  need  not  fear ;  though  the  friends  of  God  seem 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  353 

fewer  at  present  than  his  enemies,  yet  his  resources 
are  infinite. 

"  Brother,  do  you  not  think  it  more  noble  to  act  and 
labor  against  opposing  influences,  than  it  would  be  if 
the  multitude  fell  in  with  the  benevolence  of  the  day  ? 
I  think  a  brighter  crown  awaits  such  noble  daring  ef- 
forts as  the  apostles,  and  martyrs,  and  reformers,  and 
some  since  their  day,  have  made,  than  even  the  efforts 
of  those  who  may  live  in  the  millennium  :  and  simply 
for  this  reason ;  because  the  cross  will  be  less  heavy 
to  bear  when  all  take  part  with  heaven.  May  our  ef- 
forts be  made  with  a  single  eye.  The  less  conspicuous 
here,  the  more  renowned  hereafter.  Christ  was  little 
known,  and  less  honored.  '  His  name,  however,  shall 
be  great  among  the  heathen,'  and  his  right  to  reign 
shall  be  duly  acknowledged  :  for  to  him  '  every  knee 
shall  bow,  and  every  tongue  confess.' 

"  Could  I  gain  access  to  the  benevolent  ones  around 
you,  who  already  do  so  much,  I  would  lament  with 
them  that  so  much  wealth  lies  dormant  in  their  city, 
when  it  might  be  employed  for  the  eternal  interests 
of  men.  I  could  tell  some  who  hold  their  pennies  so 
close,  what  I  overheard  the  other  day  : — '•  I  wish  I  had 
twenty  dollars  to  help  my  brother  through  the  next 
term  in  college.'  This  was  said  by  one  who  had  strug- 
gled long  and  hard  for  his  own  education.  This  man, 
too,  bids  fair  to  hless  mankind ;  and  his  brother  has 
lately  professed  conversion,  and  .has  the  ministry  in 


At  the  commencement,  in  September  of  this  year, 
he  took  his  degree  of  A.  B.  in  Nassau-HaJl,  and  left 
30* 


364  MEMOIR   OP 

the  place  with  the  view  of  connecting  himself  with 
the  Theological  Seminary  at  New-Haven. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

In  the  Theological  Seminary. 

On  Mr.  Taylor's  arrival  at  New- York  from  Prince- 
Ion,  he  was  attacked  severely  with  pain,  which  pro- 
bably laid  the  foundation  of  that  disease  which  car- 
ried him  to  an  early  grave;  or  rather  was  the  com- 
mencement of  the  disease  itself,  from  which  he  seems 
never  to  have  perfectly  recovered.  To  a  friend  in 
Princeton,  and  to  his  parents,  he  wrote  about  the  mid 
die  of  October,  giving  some  account  of  his  illness. 

"  Since  I  left  Princeton,  with  short  intervals,  I  have 
had  pain  upon  pain ;  have  been  bled  and  blistered  on 
each  side;  relief,  however,  has  been  only  temporary. 
At  times  the  anguish  has  been  almost  overpowering. 
Indeed  it  has  been  a  sore  trial ;  yet  many  a  time  in  my 
distress  I  have  exclaimed.  This  is  not  Gethsemane — 
this  is  not  the  cross — this  is  not  hell.  Grace,  I  think, 
has  triumphed  in  the  midst  of  suffering.  And  I  doubt 
not  of  the  final  good  result  of  this  affliction ;  '  light, 
and  but  for  a  moment ;' — light,  and  but  for  a  moment, 
in  comparison  with  what  it  might  be,  and  with  what 
I  deserve.  How  long  I  may  yet  be  confined  I  know 
not,  I  need  not  know.    It  is  enough  that  God  knows 


JAMES  BRAIN EhD  TAYLOR.  355 

what  is  best,  and  that  is  best  for  me.  My  desire  is  to 
be  located  at  New-Haven,  by  a  week  from  next  Wed- 
nesday. Thither  I  expect  to  go  and  remain  for  the 
present.  There  is  no  fever  attending  my  complaint ; 
it  appears  to  be  a  rheumatic  affection." 

To  his  Parents. 

"  The  Lord  knoweth  the  rod  that  he  hath  laid  upon 
me.  His  grace  hath  borne  me  up  under  its  weight,  so 
that  I  have  rejoiced  in  tribulation.  In  the  midst  of 
judgment  great  have  been  the  mercies  I  have  received. 
I  have  not  words  to  express  my  obligations  to  God  for 
the  rich  manifestations  of  his  love — when  writhing  in 
anguish  of  body  I  have  thrown  myself  on  his  kind  arm, 
and  he  hath  sustained  me.  I  think  in  the  midst  of  it 
all  he  has  kept  me,  measurably,  in  a  childlike  spirit, 
for  my  greatest  concern  has  been  to  acquiesce  perfect- 
ly in  the  will  of  God. 

••'  This  too  has  solaced  me.  The  suffering  time  of 
the  Christian  will  be  over — it  will  come  to  an  end ; 
and  this  too — the  pain  of  this  day^  this  hour,  this  mo- 
ment is  never  to  be  felt  a  second  time.  So  much  of 
the  cup  has  been  drunk,  and  the  cup  that  my  Father 
hath  given  me  shall  I  not  drink  it? 

"  The  views  vouchsafed,  both  of  the  past  and  future, 
have  been  enlarged.  I  never  saw  myself  to  have  been 
so  unprofitable  a  servant.  By  grace,  through  faith,  the 
prospect  of  laboring,  suffering,  or  dying,  seemed  all 
one;  only  let  God's  will  be  done." 

The  only  remaining  memorial  of  this  year  is  a  let- 
ter written  late  in  the  month  of  December,  giving  aa 


356  MEMOIR  or 

account  of  his  arrival  at  New-Haven — his  reception 
into  the  theological  seminary,  and  of  the  goodness  of 
God  manifested  in  his  providence  and  in  his  gracious 
communications.  Of  his  health  he  says,  though  ex- 
posed to  cold  and  the  effects  of  fatigue,  "  My  cough 
and  cold  have  well  nigh  disappeared — I  think  I  am 
every  way  better." 

During  the  remainder  of  his  life,  Mr.  Taylor  devoted 
himself  less  than  hitherto  to  correspondence  with  his 
friends,  a  change  which  he  attributes  to  a  loss  of  re- 
lish for  this  sort  of  exercise,  and  the  fact  that  more  of 
his  time  was  occupied  m  writing,  as  he  pursued  his 
preparatory  course.  Another  reason  may  be  found — 
which  perhaps  did  not  attract  his  attention — in  the  irk- 
someness  of  a  writing  posture  to  one  whose  chest  had 
begun  to  be  affected  by  an  incurable  disease. 

From  the  letters  which  have  come  into  our  hands 
we  shall  present  the  reader  with  such  extracts  as  may 
throw  light  on  his  character,  or,  in  our  judgment  af- 
ford matter  of  instruction  and  of  religious  excitement 
to  Christians,  and  to  candidates  for  the  ministry — or 
may  serve  to  illustrate  the  power  of  grace  in  bringing 
the  whole  being  inio  conformity  to  God. 

The  first  is  addressed  to  a  pious  family,  near  Prince- 
ton, with  which  Mr.  Taylor  had  much  Christian  in- 
tercourse during  his  college  life,  and  at  whose  house 
he  frequently  held  meetings  for  religious  exercises. 

"  New-Haven,  February  11,  1827. 
**  Ti>  the  dear  Family  that  dwell  in  the  Valley : 

"  Of  my  location  in  this  place  you  may  not  have 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  357 

been  informed.  I  address  you  with  the  testimony  that 
liie  good  hand  of  God  has  been  upon  me  for  good. 

"  Of  my  illness  in  New-York  you  were  probably  ap- 
prised. Detained  as  I  was,  I  doubt  not  but  the  Lord 
saw  in  that  sickness  a  link  in  the  chain  of  my  prepa- 
ration for  the  holy  ministry  not  unimportant.  The  re- 
mains of  the  attack  I  feel  about  me  almost  daily.  So, 
you  see,  I  have  a  daily  memento  of  my  mortality  as  I 
am  traveling  to  the  grave.  At  this  recital  I  conjec- 
ture that  your  sympathies  are  all  awake ;  and  I  be- 
lieve your  overflowing  kind  feelings  would  not  be  slow 
in  devising  something  for  my  relief — give  me  yo'V 
prayers, — I  trust  you  do.  Your  fireside  !  How  gladly 
v/ould  I  spend  a  season  in  that  family  circle.  Thi- 
ther my  willing  feet  have  tended ;  but  not  so  often  as 
I  desired.  That  you  welcomed  me  ever,  I  owe  you 
my  kindest  regards.  The  interviews  enjoyed,  if  not 
on  earth,  I  trust  will  be  renewed  in  heaven.  You  too 
have  been  visited  with  sickness.  You  doubtless  will 
reply, 

'  What  charming  words  are  these  ? 

'  Their  sweetness  who  can  tell  ? 

'In  time,  and  lo  eternity, 

' '  Tis  with  the  righteous  well.'' 

Looking  upon  our  cup  as  from  a  father's  hand,  takes 
away  its  bitterness,  and  the  cup  of  consolation  over- 
flows. 

"When  ill,   dear  L came  in  and  knelt  beside 

my  bed.  I  could  not  but  mark  one  of  his  expressions. 
He  thanked  God  that  I  had  had  a  trial  of  my  graces. 
Truly  it  is  a  matter  of  thankfulness  that  our  faith,  and 
patience,  and  resignation  are  tried.  Otherwise,  how 
should  we  know  that  we  possessed  them.     If  a  man 


358  MEMOIR   OP 

possess  a  coin,  the  genuineness  of  which  he  doubts,  a 
test  applied  will  satisty  him.  So  when  one  passes 
through  the  furnace  which  our  heavenly  Father  pre- 
pares for  the  trial  of  his  children,  though  it  be  heated 
seven  fold,  if  he  be  a  true  Christian  he  endures  the 
trial.  When  one  is  so  tried,  he  finds  that  it  is  one 
thing  to  talk  of  patience  and  resignation,  and  quite 
another  to  exercise  them.  If  we  consider  a  moment, 
we  may  see  how  important  it  is  that  the  way  to  hea- 
ven lies  through  much  tribulation.  When  the  termi- 
nating hour  of  the  Christian  arrives,  his  trials  termi- 
nate. If  he  exercise  no  patience  in  this  world,  he  could 
never  exercise  it  at  all ;  for  what  is  there  in  heaven  to 
call  this  grace  into  exercise  ?  But  the  Lord  knows 
what  is  best,  and  that  is  best  for  me.  This  was  my 
song  day  and  night  when  racked  wath  pain. 

"  I  hope  you  are  all  abiding  under  the  shadow  of  the 
Almighty— rejoicing  in  the  light  of  God's  countenance 
—sweetly  visited  with  the  presence  of  Jesus—and 
Jilled  with  the  Holy  Ghost. 

'  Children  of  the  heavenly  King, 
As  ye  journey,  sweetly  sing; 
Sing  your  Savior's  worthy  praise, 
Glorious  in  his  works  and  ways. 
Ye  are  travelling  home  to  God, 
In  the  way  the  fathers  trod ; 
They  are  happy  now — and  ye 
Soon  their  happiness  shall  see.' 

"  May  you  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord— follow  hard 
after  him — have  the  intercourse  between  heaven  and 
your  souls  open  and  free— hold  fellowship  with  the 
Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  Thus  you 
will  advance  in  an  onward  and  upward  course.     May 


JAMES  BRAIN ERD  TAYLOR  359 

the  blessing  of  God  rest  upon  you  all,  through  life — 
at  death,  may  an  entrance  be  administered  unto  you 
abundantly  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord 
and  Savior  Jesus  Christ.     In  the  best  of  bonds, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  L.  Mr.  Taylor  wrote,  on  hearing 
that  he  had  been  bleeding  at  the  lungs. 

"  New  Haven,  March  17,  1827. 
'*  My  dear,  very  dear  L. 

"  I  will  not,  for  I  cannot  tell  you  how  often  the  ex- 
pression, '  dear  L,'  has  escaped  my  lips  to-day.  In- 
deed since  last  evening,  when  I  heard  that  you  were 
ill  and  had  bled  at  the  lungs,  I  have  been  cast  down 
on  your  account,  on  my  own,  and  on  account  of  the 
church.  And  now,  in  part  to  roll  off  the  burden  that 
rests  on  my  heart,  1  address  you.  It  is  a  burden  that 
would  gladly  find  its  way  through  my  eyes ;  but  my 
eyes  refuse  to  weep. 

"  When  I  had  written  the  above,  I  said  I  will  go  and 
pray.  I  did :  and  now  resume  my  pen.  O  my  brother, 
what  a  resort  is  the  throne  of  grace !  It  is  there  we 
find  broken  hearts.  There  we  obtain  a  right  spirit. 
Thence  we  come  refreshed,  having  cast  our  burdens 
on  the  Lord. 

'  Long  as  they  live  should  Christians  pray, 
For  only  while  they  pray,  they  live.' 

"  I  told  the  Lord  that  I  was  afflicted  on  your  ac- 
count, on  my  own,  and  on  account  of  the  church.  1 
asked  him,  if  it  were  possible,  to  bring  you  out  of  this 
farnace  as  gold,  and  in  full  health ;  to  live  long,  and 


360  MEMOIR    OF 

under  him,  to  be  the  means  of  peopling  heaven.  Bui 
above  all,  I  pleaded  for  your  soul's  best  interests,  and 
asked  for  the  best  blessings  to  rest  upon  you.  I  thanked 
the  Lord  for  one  I  loved  so  dearly,  for  Christ's  sake — 
I  thanked  him  for  our  acquaintance  and  fellowship. 
Think  of  the  assemblage  of  associations  rising  in  my 
mind — seasons  together  at  Princeton— seasons  in  New- 
York — Heaven  bless  you — I  am  affected  at  their  re- 
membrance. They  are  green  spots  in  this  wilderness. 
I  thanked  God  for  the  prospect  of  meeting  you  in  hea- 
ven. Meeting  you  in  heaven  !  Here  my  heart  broke. 
"What,  /meet  you  in  heaven  !  1  be  admitted  to  so  ho- 
ly a  place  !  Is  it  possible  !  I  exclaimed,  with  melt- 
ing heart  and  streaming  eyes,  can  it  be  that  I,  who  am 
so  unfit,  shall  ever  enter  a  holy  heaven !  Thank  the 
Lord  for  the  sinking  I  felt — yet  how  far  short  were 
my  views  of  that  depth  which  I  deserve.  It  seemed 
that  if  an  anchor  were  fastened  to  my  neck,  and  I 
were  sunk  into  the  deepest  hell,  I  should  not  have  half 
my  desert;  for  how  often,  how  aggravatedly,  how 
long  have  I  sinned  I  Heaven  may  forgive  rae  ;  but  I 
can  never,  no  never,  forgive  myself. 

"  Brother  L.,  in  view  of  the  prospect,  I  cry  out, 
What  shall  I  do  ?  I  do  truly  feel  that  I  am  undone  as 
to  preaching  the  Gospel,  unless  God  do  great  things 
for  me.  To-day  I  have  desired  to  lay  me  down  and 
die,  rather  than  live  to  dishonor  God  and  his  cause : 
and  unless  he  keep  me  I  shall.  My  experience  tells 
me  I  shall:  for  alas!  how  often  have  I  dishonored 
him  already,  and  have  thus  lost  his  smiles  !  How  of- 
ten wounded  my  Savior,  and  thereby  felt  the  absence 
of  the  Beloved — grieved  the  Spirit,  and  thus  lost  my 
Comforter  !     O  !  is  there  in  heaven  or  earth  a  greater 


JAMES    BR.'UNERD    TAYLOR.  361 

monument  of  grace  ?  or  one  that  is  more  a  sinner  ? 
No  words  can  express  the  sin,  for  which  1  deserve  an 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  damnation.  "Well, 
brcrther,  however  ill-deserving,  I  hope  I  have  a  gar- 
ment in  which  I  shall  be  accepted  at  the  marriage 
supper.  For  this  you  have  prayed — still  pray,  and 
pray  till  your  voice  falters  in  death,  that  I  may  wear 
the  garment,  and  keep  it  unspotted.  Then,  whether 
you  precede  me  or  not,  we  shall  both  hope  to  enter  and 
sit  down  at  a  table  spread  with  heavenly  food.  O ! 
how  rich  the  feast  prepared  for  the  followers  of  the 
Lamb  !  I  would  not  keep  back  one  saint  from  glory — 
not  even  my  mother — nor  thee,  my  brother  L.  No: 
if  the  good  and  great  Shepherd  will  take  one  of  his  un- 
der-shepherds  from  an  imperfect  to  a  perfect  service, 
I  will  say,  araen,  and  hope  to  follow  in  due  time. 
Brother,  do  you  think  that  you  are  soon  to  exchange 
worlds?  Think  you  that  you  have  turned  aside  to 
die  ?  If  so,  may  you  be  gathered  as  a  shock  of  corn 
in  its  season,  fully  ripe." 

"  New-Haveri^  March,  1827. 
"  My  ever  dear  Motlrer, 

"  I  hoped  before,  this  to  receive  intelligence  from 
home  respecting  your  illness  ;  but  not  a  word  :  I  there- 
fore presume  you  are  no  worse. 

'  I  am  glad  that  I  went  home ;  for  I  trust  I  was  permit- 
ted to  add  a  little  to  your  comfort  in  kneeling  beside 
you  and  supplicating  for  mercy  and  grace  in  your  behalf. 
Had  I  not  believed  that  you  consulted  my  progress  in 
study,  I  should  have  remained  longer  j  but  you  would 
rather  that  both  be  denied  the  pleasure  of  each  others 
society,  than  that  I  should  be  retarded  in  my  course. 

31  J.  B.  Taylor 


362  MEMOIR    OF 

"Above  all,  I  rejoiced  in  your  consolation  that 
abounded.  And  ray  comfort  has  been,  when  I  have  re- 
membered my  dear  mother,  that  the  Lord  lifted  the 
light  of  his  countenance  upon  you,  and  caused  you' to 
rejoice  in  that  light.  Had  you  not  the  hope  of  eternal 
life,  what  gloom  would  spread  around  you  I  With 
this  hope,  the  pathway  to  the  tomb  is  illuminated,  and 
each  successive  step  is  one  more  towards  a  world  of 
brightness  and  blessed  fruition.  Yes,  there  is  some- 
thing beyond  time  worth  dying  to  possess.  Heaven — 
the  society  of  God — angels  and  saints — the  eternity  of 
ever  increasing  joy.  Sin  will  be  no  more.  Friends, 
w^ho  are  the  children  of  God,  will  not  be  separated — 
they  will  have  one  home,  one  service,  one  interest, 
and  they  will  surround  the  same  throne.  How  happy 
our  friends  who  have  gone  thither!  How  happy  they 
who  are  on  their  journey,  when  they  shall  join  those 
who  have  gone  before  !  , 

"May  my  dear  mother,  in  this  time  of  trial,  find  her 
faith  increased — her  hopes  stronger — her  prospects 
brightened,  and  her  pace  quickened. 

''  We  hope — for  we  pray — that  our  mother  may  yet 
be  spared  to  us.  But  v/ere  I  to  be  called  to  die — to  be 
with  Christ,  let  none  keep  me  back.  However  trying 
it  would  be,  I  hope  for  sustaining  grace,  if  called  to 
bury  my  mother,  and  to  live  in  the  prospect  of  meeting 
her— my  father — and  some,  if  not  all  of  the  family,  at 
the  right  hand  of  the  Judge. 

"  In  this  sickness  still  keep  your  mind  stayed  on 
God;  lean  on  the  arm  of  the  Lord — commune  with 
Jesus — and  may  you  be  filled  with  the  Spirit. 

•'  Your  son,  with  increased  affection. 
James.''-  ■ 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  363 

In  a  letter  bearing  dale  April  2,  1827,  Mr.  Taylor 
wrote  to  his  brother,  informing  him  of  the  commence- 
ment of  a  revival  of  religion  in  Yale  College  ;  in  con- 
sequence of  which,  he  says,  "as  a  class,  we  have 
given  up  our  instructor  for  the  present  session." 

At  the  same  time  Mr.  Taylor  Was  invited  by  the 
pastor  of  the  church  in  Bridgeport,  and  subsequently 
in  Trumbull,  where  a  work  of  grace  was  in  progress, 
to  go  over  and  help  them.  From  these  places  he 
wrote  several  letters  to  Jiis  friends,  giving  an  account 
of  the  work,  and  of  the  success  of  his  labors :  from 
which  it  appears,  though  the  truth  is  told  with  much 
modesty,  that  the  Lord  honored  his  young  servant 
with  a  success  which,  together  with  his  piety  and  the 
acceptance  he  met  from  the  people,  gave  high  promise 
of  usefulness.  To  his  mother  he  wrote  :  "The  min- 
isters where  I  am  laboring,  license  me  verbally^  so 
that  I  preach  as  really  as  they  do.  They  send  me  in- 
to the  pulpit,  &c.     This  is  of  their  seeking,  not  mine." 

To  a  brother  whom  he  greatly  loved,  who,  it  would 
seem,  had  questioned  the  propriety  of  the  course  he  was 
pursuing,  Mr.  Taylor  replied  in  the  following  letter: 

''  Trumbull,  May  3,  1827. 
'  My  ever  dear  Brother, 

"Your  fraternal  epistle  reached  me  last  evening,  af- 
ter the  fatiguing  labors  of  another  day.  Did  you  imow 
how  it  refreshed  me  to  hear  from  you,  perhaps  you 
would  write  oftener. 

"  Of  all  people  in  the  world,  1  have  the  least  reason 
to  doubt  the  tender  regard  and  timely  solicitude  of  my 
brothers.  Too  much  has  been  manifested  on  your 
part,  to  leave  me  in  doubt  as  to  your  best  feelings.     I 


SO'l  MEMOIR    OF 

am  fully  persuaded  that  your  most  cordial  desires  are 
enlisted  for  my  welfare  ;  and  often  with  weeping  have 
I  thanked  our  common  Father  that  I  have  relations 
and  friends  so  valuable  as  you,  and  as  you  have  both 
proved  yourselves  to  be  to  the  un  worthiest.  Even 
now,  spontaneous  tears  fill  my  eyes,  and  my  soul 
breathes  the  prayer,  May  heaven  bless  you  both,  and 
all  yours,  now  and  for  ever. 

"All  the  'power'  that  belongs  to  me  'ecclesiasti- 
cally,' is  that  of  a  lay  member,  for  I  am  simply  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Cedar-street  churcli.  As  such,  it  becomes 
me,  in  common  with  my  brethren,  to  '  do  good  to  all.' 
What  greater  good  than  that  of  winning  their  souls  to 
Christ?  To  attempt  this,  is  the  duty  of  the  weakest, 
as  icell  as  the  m,ost  gigaiitic  serxant  of  Jesus. 

"  That  I  have  a  call  of  God,  besides,  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  I  have  no  more  doubt  than  of  ray  existence. 
This  I  count  a  blessing,  one  I  did  not  enjoy  when  I 
began  to  prepare  for  this  work.  But  since  I  received 
it,  it  has  been  peculiarly  satisfactory  ;  and  what  all  do 
not  have  the  happiness  to  possess.  It  did  not  become 
mine,  but  through  strong  cries,  and  many  tears,  and 
wrestlings,  when  I  was  in  college.  In  grateful  re- 
membrance of  that  season,  my  pen  has  stopped,  to 
weep — and  thank  the  Lord.  It  is  a  blessing  of  his  im- 
partmg.  Not  to  me,  but  to  Him  be  the  praise.  It  is 
a  blessing  of  great  worth  to  any  one  who  attempts  to 
preach  the  Gospel,  to  feel  that  he  has  a  commission 
from  God.  I  now  feel  as  I  have  felt:  'Wo  is  me,  il 
I  preach  not  the  Gospel.' 

'  The  power  that  I  now  exercise,  if  I  exercise  any, 
is  this,  simply  this,  and  no  more  than  this,  '  Speaking 
the  truth  to  my  neighbor.'     Zech.  8  •  16.     This  I  do 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  365 

*publicly,  and  from  house  to  house,'  by  night  and  by 
day,  as  I  have  opportunity.  What  I  do,  is  done  under 
the  sanction  and  wish  of  the  regularly  ordained  pastors 
of  these  churches  ;  and,  if  I  mistake  not,  from  the  ex- 
pressions of  some,  in  accordance  with  the  ardent 
Avishes  of  the  cliurches  themselves.  If  this  be  wrong, 
let  a  man  prove  it  so,  and  I  will  cease  to  do  wrong. 
What  matters  it  whether  I  take  my  stand  in  a  pulpit 
or  on  a  stump  in  the  fields  ?  If  in  the  church,  why 
under  the  pulpit  rather  than  in  it  1  If  the  question  be 
decided  by  convenience,  both  for  the  audience  and  the 
speaker,  the  pulpit  is  the  place.  To  me  this  seems  to 
be  straining  at  a  gnat  and  swallowing  a  camel.  Knock 
down  the  pulpit  and  raise  a  platform ;  to  me  it  makes 
no  difference  where  I  stand ;  but  I  lik«  to  see  the  peo- 
ple, and  the  hearers  generally  like  to  see  the  speaker. 

"  It  is  known  that  I  am  a  student  of  theology.  The 
minister,  in  the  church,  and  when  present  at  other 
meetings,  always  pronounces  the  benediction.  When 
absent,  I  close  the  meeting  with  a  short  prayer.  '  I  am 
not  ashamed.'  Why  should  I  be  ?  God  approves — 
sinners  are  awakened  and  converted — meetings  are 
crowded — houses  are  opened  to  receive  me — the  work 
of  God  is  advancing — the  harvest  whitens.  Says  the 
minister,  with  aflfection  and  emphasis — '  We  love  you, 
and  wish  you  here ' — praying  for  me,  and  unwilling 
that  I  should  leave  him. 

"  When  the  cry  is  all  around^  Help,  help,  help,  shall 
I  close  my  mouth  because  a  man  may  make  a  distinc- 
tion between  a  pulpit  and  something  else,  when  no 
such  distinction  is  made  by  the  Bible  ?  Never — were  I 
to  die  to-day,  I  feel  that  I  ought  not  to  hold  my  peace ; 
and  as  I  know  of  no  statute  that  forbids  my  naming  a 
31* 


366  MEMOIR   OP 

text  to  speak  from,  and  as  I  find  this  the  most  conve- 
nient for  myself,  and  every  way  acceptable  to  those 
who  hear  me  I  presume  I  shall  not  be  censured  for 
this. 

"  The  question  is,  IVhat  is  right  ?  not  what  this  or 
that  man  says,  without  alledging  his  proof.  Shall  I 
hold  my  peace  ?  My  labors  have  been  so  great  for 
some  time  past,  you  need  not  be  surprised  if  I  turn 
aside  and  rest  awhile.  I  shall  be  glad  once  more  to 
fall  into  your  embraces,  and  to  be  refreshed  in  your 
mansion. 

"  May  you  increase  more  and  more  in  this  world's 
goods,  but  especially  be  rich  towards  God.  Through 
your  munificence  I  abound,  and  am  n-ew,  as  I  always 
have  been,  your  obliged  and  affectionate  brother, 

"J.  B.  T." 

To  the  same. 

"  New-Haven,  June,  1827. 

"  My  dear  Brothfir, 

"  After  I  left  you  in  New- York,  I  returned  to  Trum- 
bull, and  found  the  state  of  things  increasingly  inter- 
esting. I  spent  the  last  Sabbath  there  :  between  thirty 
aiLd  forty  attended  the  inquiry  meeting.  A  solemnity 
rests  on  the  minds  of  many  :  indeed  the  whole  parish 
seem  awed.  To  what  it  will  come  I  know  not — as 
many  as  twenty  have  expressed  hope.  The  church 
are  singularly  alive,  and  seem  much  united. 

"  I  am  here  ;  and  the  principal  work  before  me  for 
the  summer  is  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  which  I 
love. 

*'  1  hope  you  enjoy  nearness  of  access  to  God  day 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  3G7 

by  day.     This  afternoon  my  soul  was  exceedingly  re- 
freshed. May  yours  be  doubly  so — nay,  a  hundred  fold. 
'•  Your  affectionate  James."' 

The  reader  will  recollect  with  what  agonizing  earn- 
estness, and  persevering  importunity,  Mr.  Taylor  pray- 
ed for  the  conversion  of  his  friend  L.  P.  both  while 
at  Lawrenceville  and  at  Princeton,  as  noted  in  our  ex- 
tracts from  his  diary.  That  he  did  not  pray  in  vain, 
will  be  seen  from  the  following  letter,  dated 

"  New-Haven,  June  29,  1827. 
•  My  dear,  dear  Brother, 

"  Is  it — is  it  true  ?  The  intelligence  of  this  morn- 
ing, let  me  assure  you,  gladdened  my  heart.  The 
mingled  emotions  of  my  soul  sent  me  weeping  to  my 
kneeling-place,  with  thanksgiving  on  your  behalf,  and 
to  pray  again  for  the  friends  I  always  loved,  but  who 
now  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  are  dearly  beloved. 

"  The  language  of  my  heart  has  been,  since  I  saw 
Mr.  B.,  O  that  I  could  see  you,  were  it  but  for  half  an 
hour ;  for  I  would  listen  to  you,  and  peradventure  tell 
you  how,  in  days  gone  by,  I  have  felt,  and  wept,  and 

prayed  for  you :  for  none,  as  for  my  dear  friend  P , 

have  I  ever  and  so  often  agonized  in  secret  places. 
The  thought  of  spending  a  happy  eternity  at  God's 
right  hand  with  you,  well  nigh  broke  my  heart  this 
morning  ;  now  my  soul  rejoices  in  the  prospect. 

"  Having  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious,  and  felt 
solicitude  for  those  whom  you  have  left  in  their  sins, 
you  will  now  interpret  what  perhaps  you  might,  at  one 
time,  have  thought  intrusive  in  me,  as  flowing  from 
benevolence,  overflowing  benevolence,  for  your  best 


368  MEMOIR   OP 

interests.  Indeed  it  was  so;  and  not  unfrequently  was 
my  soul  sweetly  visited  wlien  in  prayer  to  God  for  my 
friend  P .    Thus  you  have  my  whole  heart. 

"  By  a  note  from  Mr.  B.  I  learn  that  at  the  last  com- 
munion thirty-eight  were  added  to  the  church.  Hap- 
py days  for  L. !  Did  I  know  the  names  of  the  indi- 
viduals, I  might  recognize  not  a  few  old  acquaintances. 

"Comparing  'the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  love,  joy, 
peace,'  &c.  with  the  joys  of  former  days,  do  you  not 
exclaim,  in  amazement,  Where  have  I  been  so  long  ? 
And  while  you  feast  on  the  provisions  of  the  Lord's 
house,  does  not  your  soul  cry  out,  Evermore  give  me 
this  bread  ?  To  them  who  grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit 
he  is  rich  and  ever  new  in  his  manifestations.  From 
the  height  of  one  attainment  we  rise  to  another  till 
instead  of  '  from  grace  to  grace,'  it  shall  be  from  glory 
to  glory. 

"  Since  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you,  as  you 
have  probably  heard,  I  have,  in  the  view  of  others,  been 
over  the  grave's  mouth.  From  my  attack  last  fall  I 
am  well  nigh  recovered.  To  me  the  visitation  was  of 
no  little  importance.  I  thank  our  heavenly  Father  for 
It.  It  was  from  a  Father's  hand.  Though  racked  with 
pain  of  body,  ray  soul  enjoyed  the  presence  of  God. 

"  Shall  I  tell  you  that  more  than  ever  I  feel  the  im- 
portance of  being  wholly  devoted  to  God  ?  Well  may 
every  Christian,  and  especially  every  minister,  lay 
himself  out  for  God,  as  a  co-worker  with  him.  Each 
in  his  own  sphere  may  do  something.  Happy  the  man 
who  gathers  but  one  sheaf!  '  They  that  turn  many  to 
righteousness  shall  shine  as  the  stars  for  ever  and 
ever.'  But  I  need  not  urge  you  to  action.  Doubtless 
you  have  been  up  and  doing  with  your  might.   Doubl- 


JAMES    ERAINERD    TAYLOR.  309 

less  you  are  daily  walking  with  God,  and  find  the 
blessedness  of  it  in  secret,  in  the  family,  in  the  social 
circle,  in  the  house  and  ordinances  of  God,  in  your 
walks  of  usefulness  and  deeds  of  well-doing.  I  bid 
you,  with  all  my  heart  I  bid  you,  God  speed 

"  Let  rae  tell  you  that  God  puts  honor  upon  my  at- 
tempts in  his  service.  Suffice  it  to  say,  he  gives  what 
I  think  I  am  most  athirst  for — souls.  Lately  I  have 
been  in  two  revivals. 

"  Often,  when  in  L ,  my  fellowship  was  with 

the  Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ — often 
when  in  Princeton.  Associated  with  those  places  are 
not  a  few  of  the  greenest  spots  in  my  wilderness. 
Here,  too,  in  New-Haven,  Heaven  deigns  to  refresh 
me  with  gracious  rains.  Pray  that  the  fruit  may  be 
unto  everlasting  life. 

'•  How  often  have  I  contemplated  your  fireside  as 
one  of  the  happiest.  Has  it,  now,  what  shall  be  both 
'  grace  and  glory  '  to  it  ?  I  doubt  not  your  willing  feet 
bring  you  to  the  domestic  altar  with  you.r  morning  and 
evening  sacrifice.  On  that  altar  may  a  prayer  now 
and  then  be  offered  for  one,  even  for  me,  who  would 
be  holy  and  wise — holy,  to  please  God,  and  wise,  to 
win  souls. 

"  In  the  best  of  bonds,  yours  truly, 

"  James  B.  Taylor." 
\ 

As  evidence  of  Mr.  Taylor's  devotedness  to  the 
cause  of  his  Master,  his  readiness  to  labor  in  that 
cause,  the  estimation  in  which  his  labors  were  held 
by  the  people,  and  of  his  own  continued  spirituality, 
we  give  the  following  brief  extracts  from  letters  writ- 
ten the  last  of  July  and  1st  August,  1S27. 


370  ME>IOIR    OF 

"  With  pretty  good  bodily  health,  I  am  blessed  with 
what  above  all  things  we  value,  the  renewed  visits  of 
our  Father's  love,  the  presence  of  Jesus,  and  the  in-- 
coming  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  For  a  season  past,  my  en- 
joyment in  divine  things  has  been  uncommon. 

"  Somehow  I  am  drawn  in  to  labor,  besides  my 
studies.  On  Friday  evenings  I  meet  a  company,  to 
whom  I  try  to  speak  the  truth  with  all  plainness.  This 
meeting  is  made  up  of  the  higher  circle  of  young  la- 
dies of  New-Haven.  This  is  not  of  my  own,  but  of 
the  seeking  of  others.  On  Saturday  evenings  I  some- 
times address  an  audience.  On  Sabbath,  at  two 
o'clock,  I  meet  a  Bible  class ;  about  one  hundred  and 
thirty  present  last  Sabbath.  By  means  of  the  latter, 
I  feel  that  I  am  profiting ;  for  I  devote  some  time  to 
preparation.     This  is  the  little  that  I  am  doing. 

"  I  may  tell  you  with  safety  that  God  puts  honor 
upon  my  endeavors  to  do  good.  Sinners  are  convert- 
ed, and  saints  quickened,  in  some  few  instances.  Thus 
here,  as  in  other  places  where  I  have  been  located  in 
my  preparatory  studies,  I  hope  to  have  a  band  whom 
I  love." 

In  most  of  Mr.  Taylor's  letters  written  after  his  at- 
tack in  New-York,  there  is  reference  to  a  slight  indis- 
position— a  rheumatic  affection — the  remains  of  his 
disease,  &c.  We  now  present  the  reader  with  one 
which  shows  the  progress  of  his  malady,  and  which 
gave  the  painful  presage  that  his  career  of  light  would 
be  short. 

"  Aeic-flarcn,  OclobeT  20,  1S27. 
**  My  dear  Brother, 

"By  a  letter  to  H ,  you  will  see  that  I  was  proa 


JA.AlE;i  CKAhNERU    TAYLOR,  371 

pered  in  my  journey.  Having  arrived  at  New-Haven, 
and  fitted  my  room  for  business,  I  was  just  ready  to 
enter  upon  my  work,  when  that  happened  whence  I  ap- 
prehended serious  consequences.  The  result,  however, 
IS  such,  that,  did  I  not  fear  an  exaggerated  report  might 
reach  you,  I  would  not  trouble  you.  Reaching  my 
room,  after  dinner,  on  Friday,  I  coughed  a  little,  whicli 
was  succeeded  by  the  discharge  of  some  blood  ;  after- 
wards, a  spontaneous  flow  of  perhaps  a  table-spoonful. 

"Neither  at  the  time,  nor  since,  have  I  felt  any  ill 
consequence ;  so  that,  judging  from  my  feelings  and 

from  the   opinion  of  Dr.  I ,  it  is  thought  that  the 

blood  came  from  the  throat,  not  from  the  lungs,  as  I 
apprehended  at  first. 

"These  are  the  facts:  and  the  occurrence  demands 
improvement,  and  calls  for  my  grateful  acknowledg- 
ments. Its  first  effect  was  to  break  my  heart.  This 
I  needed.  And  as  the  purposes  of  God  relate  to  all  ac- 
tual events,  so  it  was  his  purpose  that  this  should  oc- 
cur. And  I  have  looked  upon  it  as  a  blessing;  for  it 
brought  in  its  train  a  course  of  things  that  has  made 
my  soul  happy  It  has  effected  a  desirable  change  in 
iny  feelings— 1  see  that  I  may  not  be  of  so  much  im 
portance  in  God's  system  of  means  as  I  may  have 
thought. 

"It  has  led  me  to  conclude,  that  if  God  has  laid,  or 
intends  to  lay  me  aside,  it  is  for  one  of  these  three  rea- 
sons: that  I  should  not  stand  in  the  way  of  others;  or 
that  I  should  not  run  ahead  too  far;  or  that  He  has 
other  work  for  me  to  do  in  another  and  higher  sphere 
©faction. 

"  This  providence  will  probably  shut  me  out  from 
those  doors  which  I  might  have  entered  to  labor,  and 


372  MEMOIR  OP 

SO  affurd  me  a  more  quiet  session  to  become  acquaint 
ed  with  theology— a  matter  of  no  small  importance. 
It  is,  at  least,  a  ready  excuse  to  give  for  non-compli- 
anbe  with  raised  expectation  at  my  return,  and  repeat- 
ed applications  to  enter  the  field  again. 

"  It  has  benefited  others.  Much  of  the  kind  feel- 
ing of  dear  friends  has  been  enlisted  in  my  behalf— 
and  some  have  been  led  to  see  that  we  know  not  what 
a  day  may  bring  forth.  It  may  be  that  this  is  an  evil 
which  is  incidental  to  the  highest  possible  good  to  me, 
and  the  good  to  be  accomplished  through  me.  There- 
fore let  us  receive  it  at  the  hand  of  the  Lord  as  a  kind 
memento.  I  look  upon  it  as  a  love-token  from  his  hand. 
True,  I  may  have  brought  it  on  myself  by  imprudence, 
but  I  am  not  sensible  of  any  such  cause. 

"  Whatever  be  the  result,  I  am  in  good  spirits.  No 
way  depressed,  but  greatly  raised.  No  where  do  I  lie 
so  sweetly  as  in  the  hand  of  God.  I  am  looking  for 
more  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord  ;  and  hope  to  live  the 
life  of  obedience.  Living  or  dying,  the  prospect  is 
pleasant.     Farewell. 

"J.  B.  Taylor. 

"P.  S.  By  far  more  did  I  feel  for  my  friends  than 
for  myself;  for  I  feared  they  would  not  acquiesce. 
Let  us  wait  and  see  if,  in  all,  we  shall  not  have  occa- 
sion to  say,  He  hath  done  all  things  welV^ 

"  New-Haven,  J^ovember  3,  1827. 
"My  dear,  very  dear  Brother, 

"I  delay  not  to  answer  your  letter  received  this 
morning ;  for  I  feel  that  your  past  care  of  me,  and  pre- 
sent solicitude,  should  be  met  with  corresponding  ex- 
pressions on  my  part. 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  373 

"Since  I  wrote  you,  I  have  felt  no  inconvenience 
from  my  bleeding,  unless  it  be  a  little  soreness  of  the 
throat.  1  do  not  apprehend,  nor  is  it  apprehended  by 
Others,  that  the  blood  came  from  my  lungs.  But,  as 
It  is  well  to  know  the  worst,  bleeding  at  the  throat 
tends  to  produce  bleeding  at  the  lungs.  It  often  fol- 
lows in  its  train,  unless  proper  precaution  be  used. 
So  it  was  with  one  who  once  lived  in  New-Haven, 
but  who  is  not.  Dr.  Taylor  mentioned  his  case  to 
me,  with  the  caution,  '  Take  care.' 

"  My  dear  brother,  my  heart,  as  you  know,  has  been 
ill  the  work  of  the  ministry.  I  need  not  tell  you  how 
it  has  bled  in  view  of  turning  aside.  But  I  think  I 
have  said  at  the  footstool,  Lord,  thou  badest  me  go 
forward;  if  thou  say  return,  amen  and  amen.  I  have 
been  happy  in  the  varied  view  I  have  taken  of  the 
case,  and  yet  I  hope  to  live  and  labor  in  the  vine- 
yard. To  realize  this  hope,  I  see,  or  seem  to  see,  that 
it  becomes  me  to  'take  care.'  You  need  not  appre- 
nend  my  engaging  in  meetings.  I  have  not  enlisted, 
nor  do  I  purpose  to  enlist  in  public  labor  of  any  kind. 
But  I  would  remain  in  quiet,  patient  waiting,  so  as, 
if  possible,  to  recover  fully.  It  doth  not  become  me 
to  commit  suicide  ;  of  this  I  feel  no  danger.  Inclina- 
tion would  bid  me  onward,  but  I  think  I  shall  hold 
the  reins  with  a  steady  hand. 

"  My  dearest  interests,  my  dear  brother,  are  identi- 
fied with  Christ's.  As  it  is  the  purpose  of  God  to  sub- 
due rebels  to  himself,  so  I  would  be  loyal,  and  enlist 
my  all  to  subdue  others — and  so  would  you.  Well, 
as  becomes  wise  and  good  men,  may  we  act  our  parts 
below ;  then  rising,  it  will  be  to  move  in  a  higher 
32 

J.  B.  Taylor. 


374  MEMOIR    OF 

sphere,  and  live  among  the  angels.  Happy,  glorious 
change  !^— Last  evening  1  had  a  most  sweet,  filial  ap- 
proach to  our  heavenl^-^  Father. 

"I  wish  you  and  my  other  friends  to  understand 
that  I  am  not  cast  down  j  far,  far  from  it :  and  why 
should  I  be  ? 

"  O  no  !  as  I  told  you,  '  it  is  a  love-token  from  Him 
who,  as  a  father,  pitieth  his  children.'  Let,  then,  your 
thank-offering  arise  that  it  is  no  worse.  May  you  be 
greatly  comforted  with  that  comfort  vv'herewith  I  am 
comforted.     An  affectionate  adieu. 

"James." 

^'■Xew-Haven,  November  W^  1827. 
"  My  dear  Brother  J.  and  Sister  R. 

"I  doubt  not  you  now  and  then  mention  my  name, 
as  you  converse  around  your  fireside.  Gladly  would 
I  interchange  words  with  you,  and  tell  you  how  hap- 
py I  am.  Surely  I  am  blessed  of  God.  You  know  my 
late  trial — the  sweetness  resulting  is  beyond  descrip- 
tion. 

"You  know  that  leaving  business,  I  commenced 
preparation  to  preach  the  Gospel.  My  prospect  of  en- 
tering the  ministry,  as  the  time  approached,  has  bright- 
ened, with  longing  of  soul  for  the  work.  Often,  in 
your  hearing,  have  I  hailed  the  coming  day.  The  is- 
sue of  my  late  bleeding  may  determine  my  future  em- 
ploy— nay,  my  stay  in  this  world.  O,  my  dear  bro- 
ther and  sister,  it  is  sweet  to  lie  passive  in  the  hand 
of  God,  and  know  no  will  but  his.  But  my  heart  is 
full.  To  this  state  of  feeling  I  have  come  only 
through  tears  and  lying  low  at  mercy's  door:  and  now, 
when  I  think  of  the  dear,  dear  object  of  po-working 


JAMES   BRAINEHD    TAYLOR.  375 

with  God  in  preaching  the  Gospel,  my  soul  finds  rea- 
dy way  to  my  eyes.  Must  I — must  I  give  it  up?  O 
my  Father,  my  Father  !  must  I  go  back?  It  does  not 
sink  my  spirits — far  from  it ;  but  it  breaks  my  heart 
— tears  run  down  my  eyes.  It  swells  my  soul  to  un- 
utterable language,  till  I  lie  and  groan  before  God. 

'  Indeed  I  am  not  worthy  to  look  up — how  much 
less  worthy  to  be  put  into  the  ministry  !  Well — for  he 
that  doeth  all  things  well,  knows  what  is  best^  and 
that  is  best  for  me. 

"  Heaven  never  appeared  more  desirable — I  have 
longed  to  see  the  King  in  his  beauty — never  did  I  gain 
so  near  access  to  God.  Dying  seems  like  going  to  my 
Father's  house.  And  I  could  gladly  bid  adieu  to  the 
world— to  those  I  tenderly  love,  to  parents,  brothers 
and  sisters,  to  you,  for  my  anticipated  home  with 
Christ,  whom  having  not  seen,  I  love — but  I  would 
willingly  live  and  labor  yet  for  threescore  years  and 
ten,  nor  count  the  time  long ;  for  I  have  longed — 
longed  to  enter  heaven,  after  having,  under  God,  been 
the  means  of  sending  multitudes  thither. 

'•  The  cup  which  has  been  put  into  my  hands  I 
would  drink;  yet  my  heart's  prayer  has  been,  '  If  it  be 
possible,  let  this  cup  pass.'  I  have  felt  this  evening, 
that  if  God  would  but  speak  the  word,  his  servant 
should  be  healed.  This,  however,  may  not  be  best : 
surely,  then,  you  and  I  should  willingly  say,  '  The 
Lord  reigneth.' 

"  To  contemplate  this  hand  that  moves  to  address 
you,  stiffened  in  death — to  view  this  '  mud -walled  cot- 
tage,' already  shaken  and  lottermg,  fallen  to  the 
ground — is  sweet — for  should  I  not  sleep  sweetly?  O 
yes,  and  my  active  spirit,  which  now  clings  to  Jesus, 


376  MEMOIR   OP 

would  be  adoring,  active  and  wondering  among  the 
spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect. 

"  Dear,  dear  brother  and  sister,  it  is  but  a  little  way 
from  this  to  yonder  mansions.  We  each  expect  to  find 
a  welcome  resting-place.  How  sweet  the  earnest! 
Only  a  little  while,  and  we  shall  be  there. 

"  Affectionately,  James. 

"  P.  S.  Since  K.  left,  I  have  not  noticed  any  blood, 
save  this  morning,  when  a  little  streak  was  expecto- 
rated. I  should  not  mention  this,  but  you  would  know 
the  true  state  of  the  case.  Rheumatism  makes  me  an 
old  man." 

It  will  not  be  uninteresting  to  introduce  here  some 
of  the  conversation  of  Mr.  Taylor  at  this  time,  illus- 
trative of  his  feelings  in  view  of  the  incident  to  which 
we  have  alluded.  It  was  noted  down  by  a  friend  who 
was  a  resident  in  the  same  family  at  the  time,  and  his 
frequeut  companion. 

"  When  first  attacked  with  bleeding,"  writes  his 
friend,  "  he  called  me  into  his  room  and  remarked, 
*Yousee,  my  dear  brother,  to  what  God  is  calling  me. 
I  am  not  frightened  :  my  mind  is  perfectly  composed 
and  happy.  I  have  desired  to  live  and  preach  the  Gos- 
pel, but  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.  I  believe  that 
God  has  in  reserve  a  better  portion  for  his  people,  in 
heaven,  than  in  this  world.  This  is  a  good  world — I 
have  no  reason  to  complain  of  this  world — I  am  not 
tired  of  it — I  am  happy  to  continue  here,  so  long  as  it 
is  the  pleasure  of  my  heavenly  Father  that  I  should. 
I  cannot  say,  so  far  as  my  individual  interest  is  con- 
cerned, that  1  have  any  choice  whether  to  live  or  lo 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  377 

die.  If  God  has  no  more  for  me  to  do  in  this  world,  I 
should  be  happy  to  die  here,  and  go  from  this  room  to 
my  home  in  heaven.' 

"  Here  we  both  paused  in  silence  for  some  minutes, 
when  the  recollection  of  his  friends  came  over  his 
mind,  and  he  added,  'But,  O  my  dear  friends' — here 
his  tears  burst  forth  profusely  ;  and  he  wept  in  silence 
for  some  time,  and  then  continued,  '  My  dear  parents, 
brothers,  and  friends  have  been  so  kind  to  me,  and 
have  so  much  anticipated  my  becoming  a  minister  of 
the  Gospel,  that  my  heart  is  pained,  deeply  pained  at 
the  thought  of  their  expectations  being  disappointed  : 
but  this  is  good  for  me,  it  is  just  what  I  needed.' 

"  After  a  short  silence  he  said,  'My  dear  brother,  I 
now  am  sensible  that  I  sinned  in  indulging  that  re- 
pining thought :  I  now  feel  perfectly  resigned  to  the 
whole  will  of  God.   I  am  happy — perfectly  happy.' 

"  The  next  morning  he  said,  '  My  soul  melted  down 
before  God  last  night,  when  I  continued  to  ask  him  to 
let  me  live  and  preach  the  Gospel — but  I  cheerfully 
submitted  all  to  him.  O,  brother,  God  has  made  such 
discoveries  to  my  soul  as  I  never  expected  or  dared 
to  hope  for  in  this  world.  It  is  wonderful !  wonderful ! 
my  body  can  hardly  contain  this  immortal  being  that 
struggles  within  I  I  am  willing  to  live  my  threescore 
years  and  ten.  I  wish  for  it  only  that  I  may  preach 
the  Gospel ;  but  I  shall  be  happy  to  finish  my  work, 
and  mount  away  to  Jesus  !' 

"  Nov.  14th,  evening. — He  said,  '  This  has  been  a 
wonderful  day  to  me.  This  morning  I  bled  a  little — 
just  enough  to  remind  me  of  my  condition — I  am 
thankful  for  it,  for  God  has  by  it  made  this  day  aa 
antepast  of  heaven  to  my  soul.' 
32* 


378  MEMOIR   OP 

"  Nov.  16.—'  Afflictions,'  said  brother  Taylor  this 
morning,  '  are  good,  because  they  corae  laden  with  a 
rich  blessing.  I  wish  all  the  world  to  experience  the 
same  that  I  do — not  my  pains,  but  the  blessings  Avhich 
attend  thera :  every  pain  through  which  I  pass,  I  think 
that  now  I  have  taken  one  portion  more  of  the  cup — I 
shall  never  have  that  pain  again,  but  the  blessing 
which  it  brought  to  me  will  endure  for  ever.  After 
all,'  said  he,  '  what  are  my  pains  ?  They  are  not  Geth- 
semane— they  are  not  the  cross.'  He  then  repeated 
the  hymn : 

'  O  what  are  all  my  sufferings  here,'  &c. 

"  Again,  '  1  never  before  experienced  such  a  fullness 
of  grace.  It  seems  as  though  my  immortal  spirit  could 
not  reside  in  this  tabernacle— as  though  I  must  fly 
away  to  Christ.  Yet  my  life  is  a  history  of  sins  and 
mercies.  Never  before  have  I  felt  myself  to  be  so 
guilty  a  sinner.  I  deserve  to  have  a  millstone  fastened 
to  my  neck,  and  to  be  anchored  in  the  depths  of  hell.» 

"  Again,  in  the  morning,  after  much  pain  and  lan- 
guor during  the  night,  he  said,  '  I  am  well,  and  calm, 
and  happy— it  was  a  happy  night — every  few  mo- 
ments my  soul  awaked  to  hold  sweet  communion  with 
heaven.  Let  this  clay  perish,  if  God  will— my  soul  is 
happy  in  Him,  and  all  will  redound  to  his  glory,  whe- 
ther I  live  or  die." 


"  New-Haven,  Nov.  23,  1827. 
••  Dear  brother  K , 

"  Your  letter  reached  me  in  due  time,  and  upon  its 
contents  I  have  been  pondering.  After  considering 
my  case,  it  seems  to  me  that  I  ought  to  remain  here. 


JAMBS   ERAINERD    TAYLOR.  379 

What  little  application  I  make  is  a  necessary  relaxa- 
tion to  my  mind;  and  it  is  with  this  satisfying  consi- 
deration, that  it  is  in  connection  with  my  course.  Be- 
sides writing  dissertations,  I  find  that  I  can  investi- 
gate the  subjects  in  theology,  and  so  keep  along  with 
the  professor.  Every  thing  on  the  part  of  my  landlady 
is  done  to  make  me  well,  and  kind  friends  evince  their 
good  feelings.  Were  I  away,  I  think  I  should  be  un- 
happy, as  I  do  not  see  that  it  would  be  duty  to  leave 
at  present. 

"  Rheumatism,  or  some  other  ism,  yet  troubles  me 
m  my  sides,  and  disturbing  my  sleep,  tends  to  debili- 
tate my  system.  Twice  since  I  wrote,  a  little  streak  of 
blood  has  appeared  when  I  expectorated.  My  throat 
and  lungs  feel  in  their  usual  vigor. 

"  My  soul  leans  on  God,  and  sweetly  reposes  in  his 
will.  With  a  weight  of  love  to  sister  E.  whose  kind 
hand  I  remember  as  often  extended  to  alleviate  my 
pain;        I  am  affectionately  yours,  James." 

"  New-Haven,  Nov.  25,  1827. 
•*  My  dear  Mrs.  W , 

"  Yon  saw  me  in  anguish  of  body — you  heard  me 
tell  how  happy  I  was  in  God.  As  on  earth  I  have 
thanked  our  heavenly  Father  for  that  cup,  so  in  hea- 
ven the  visitation  will  be  more  clearly  expounded.  You 
have  heard  of  my  late  light  affliction.  It  would  be 
too  long  a  story  to  tell  of  all  the  attendant  blessings — 
but  consolation  has  abounded. 

"  The  renewal  of  my  old  attack  of  rheumatism  has 
been  a  little  painful  to  the  body ;  but  O  the  unspeak- 
able and  full  glory  that  has  come  along  with  it.  The 
cup  is  sweet,  sweet,  sAveet  beyond  expression.  Believe 


380  MEMOIR   OF 

me  when  I  say  it,  I  think  it  worth  worlds — nay,  worlds 
weigh  nothing  to  it,  for  worlds  Avithout  Christ  would 
be  nothing  worth.  With  the  pain,  I  have  Christ. 

"  I  think  I  can  adopt  the  language  of  some  one,  I 
know  not  of  whom:  '  Though  I  am  sometimes  full  of 
pains,  yet  I  am  at  all  times  full  of  patience.  I  often 
m)urn  under  a  sense  of  my  corruption,  but  never  mur- 
mur under  my  affliction.'  And  why  should  I  mur- 
viur?  This  would  be  to  oppose  the  medicine  that 
heals  my  soul.  The  Lord  never  afflicts  us  to  hurt  us, 
but  to  heal  us.  While  in  this  icilderness,  the  Lord 
would  have  our  souls  a  fruitful  paradise.  The  hus- 
bandman knows  his  choice  trees  of  righteousness,  and 
when  he  comes  with  his  pruning-knife,  it  is  not  to  cut 
down  the  tree,  but  to  lop  off  superfluous  branches. 

"  That  this  my  poor  cottage  shakes,  is  a  kind  pre- 
monition of  its  fall.  Let  it  fall,  responds  my  inmost 
soul ;  for  who  would  not  resign  such  an  earthly  taber- 
nacle, for  a  house  not  made  with  hands?  Never  did 
the  thought  of  having  a  glorious  body  so  overpower 
me  as  this  evening.  And  think  you,  my  dear  sister, 
I  shall  prize  a  glorious  body  the  less  for  having  had 
one  so  frail?  More  of  this  when  we  shall  have  heard 
the  archangel's  trump,  assembled  at  Christ's  right 
hand,  and  been  made  like  him ;  '  for  we  shall  see  him 
as  he  is.' 

"  I  am  inclined  to  think — though  I  am  in  a  strait  be- 
twixt two,  having  a  great  desire  to  depart,  yet  longing 
to  live  to  subserve  the  dear  interests  of  our  dearest 
Lord  Jesus — I  am  inclined  to  think  that  God  is  not 
about  now  to  take  down  this  superstructure.  He  may 
be  renewing  the  foundation. 

"  I  think  I  have  learned  a  little  about  glorying  in 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  381 

infirmities,  rejoicing  in  tribulations,  and  possessinj^ 
the  soul  in  patience.  Sweet  lessons — lessons  to  be 
learned  only  in  a  certain  school.  In  this  school,  an 
apt  scholar,  having  a  skillful  teacher,  may  become  a 
wonderful  proficient.  The  wiser,  the  better  we  ought 
to  be — then  the  holier,  consequently  the  happier. 
Well,  I  am  happy — I  lean  on  my  Beloved,  and  call 
him  mine. 

"  It  has  been  most  siceet  to  lie  in  the  hands  of  God. 
I  have  longed  to  drink  every  drop  of  the  cup  that  my 
Father  puts  into  my  hand.  Not  one  pain  less ;  for  He 
knows  what  is  best,  and  that  is  best  for  me. 

"  Could  I  tell  you  I  would,  but  the  blessing  that  I 
have  received  this  day  from  God  is  above  description. 
Kindest  regards  to  Mr.  W.  From  yourself  and  from 
him  I  should  be  glad  to  hear  again  and  again.  The 
death  of  Mr.  S.  I  saw  mentioned  in  the  paper.  Re- 
member me  to  the  family,  and  fell  them  that  God 
often  removes  outward  mercies  from  us.  in  mercy 
10  us. 

"  Fraternally  yours,  in  our  dearest  Lord  Jesus," 

"J.  B.  Taylor. 

''New-Haven,  Dec.  ^,1^21. 
•'Dear  K.  and  E. 

"Ere  this  year  closes,  anticipating  the  commence- 
ment of  the  ensuing  one,  I  wish  you  a  happy,  thrice 
happy  new  year. 

"  To  me,  the  year,  nearly  gone,  has  been  fraught 
with  good,  good  beyond  the  years  before:  for  we  call 
boih  that  good  which  is  good  in  itself,  and  that  alsc 
which  is  the  means  of  good.  True,  few  have  been 
the  days  and  nights  in  which  this  frail  body  has  rest- 


382  RIEMOIR   OP 

ed  quietly.  Nevertheless,  in  this  school  of  suffering 
I  have  been  taught  lessons  which,  whether  I  live  on 
earth  or  in  heaven,  will  make  me  wiser. 

"  When  other  refuges  have  failed,  I  have  not  failed 
to  find  0726  soul-reviving.  Never,  perhaps,  have  I 
gained  nearer  access  to  God,  held  sweeter  communion 
with  him,  enjoyed  a  more  glorious  hope,  anticipated 
a  release  from  earth  with  calmer  delight,  than  when 
pain  has  been  exerting  its  undermining  influence. 

"  It  would  be  repeating  the  story,  to  tell  you  I  have 
been  happy.  You  will  understand  me,  when  you  re- 
member those  seasons  of  purest  delight,  in  which 
your  souls,  with  a  child-like  disposition,  have  fallen 
into  the  hands  of  our  heavenly  Father,  and  sweetly 
said,  '  Thy  will  be  done.'  " 

To  his  Parents. 

"  This  morning  I  arose,  and  felt  the  ill  effects  of  an 
anodyne.  But  this  was  gain.  More  fit  to  sleep  than 
to  be  awake,  I  threw  myself  on  the  bed.  Having  sung 
a  Sabbath  morning  hymn,  the  last  lines  reached  my 
heart — I  will  repeat  them  : 

*  Then  shall  my  soul  iicw  life  obtain, 
'Nor  Sabbath  be  enjoyed  in  vain.' 

"I  was  athirst  for  'new  life.'  and  O  that  I  could 
tell  you: — God,  viewed  as  the  Holy  One,  melted,  sub- 
dued, comforted,  and  happified  my  inmost  powers.  In- 
deed I  felt  that  never  before  did  I  gain  so  much  'new 
life  '  in  so  short  a  time.  As  you  may  suppose,  I  did  not 
sleep.  No,  I  was  awake  to  commune  still  with  God. 
Jesus  seemed  to  say,  '  Will  you  yet  subserve  my  cause 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  383 

on  earth,  and  preach  my  Gospel  V  With  my  soul  lean- 
ing on  him,  I  replied,  'Lord,  thou  knowest.'  Truly^ 
my  dear  parents,  as  a  herald  ofthe  cross,  I  would  run 
with  delight.  Be  assured  that  the  desire  of  preaching 
was  never  more  ardent,  for  never  more  than  of  late 
have  I  felt  my  interests  identified  with  t.he  cause  of 
our  dear  Lord  Jesus.  And  while  bars  have  seemingly 
been  rising,  and  at  least  threatening  to  fence  me  out 
of  the  vineyard,  I  have  had  my  love  to  my  anticipated 
labor  tried.  Well,  the  prospect  brightens  ;  and  ere  an- 
other year  goes  by,  I  hope  you  will  receive  me  to  your 
embraces,  as  one  who  officially  bears  the  tidings  of 
great  joy.  Should  the  Master  order  otherwise,  I  hope 
my  willing  feet  would  run  at  his  command.  Were  I 
even  to  leave  the  earth,  the  thought  is  pleasant  every- 
way, save  that  I  long  to  stay  and  win  souls  to  Christ. 
Be  it  as  it  may,  of  this  I  feel  persuaded,  liiat  God  is 
doing  me  good,  either  to  serve  him  the  better  here  or 
at  his  right  hand.  Therefore  be  comforted.  I  rejoice 
in  my  being,  in  my  endless  being  too.  We  shall  live 
till  our  appointed  time ;  then  with  angels,  and  with 
saints  in  glory,  renew  the  song  of  praise  to  Him  that 
sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  to  the  Lamb. 

"May  you  be  comforted  with  the  same  comfort 
wherewith  I  am  comforted. 

"  Your  affectionate  and  obliged  son, 

"James." 

The  beginning  of  the  year  1828  finds  Mr.  Taylor 
still  at  New-Haven,  pursuing  his  favorite  object ;  and 
though  in  declining  health,  yet  most  ardently  desirous 
to  enter  upon  the  great  business  of  life,  in  winning 
souls  to  Christ,  and  making  delightful  advances  in 


3S4  MEMOIR   OP 

spirituality.  The  following  letters  and  extracts  show 
infipressively  the  workings  of  a  soul  uncommonly  im- 
bued with  divine  grace. 

"  New-Haven,  Jan.  2,  1828. 

•'  Doar  Brother  B , 

"As  many  happy  returns  of  the  season  to  you  as 
our  heavenly  Father  sees  best. 

"  To  tell  you  that  these  are  happy  days  to  roe,  would 
only  be  testifying  to  the  great  goodness  of  God.  Could 
I  describe  the  view,  whence  was  so  much  self-loathing, 
so  much  contrition,  brokenness  of  heart,  and  melting  of 
soul — could  I  tell  the  nearness  that  I  gained  this  even- 
ing to  God,  in  view  of  his  paternal  relation  to  one  of  his 
'little  ones' — nearness  to  Christ,  as  brother,  friend — 
and  the  sweetness  of  the  comfort  that  flowed  into  my 
soul,  as  my  soul  flowed  down  at  the  presence  of  God — 
I  would  speak  it  all  forth.  But  it  was  '  unspeakable 
and  full  of  glory.'  The  name  of  Jesus  was  as  ointment 
poured  forth.  A  holy  unction  descended  arid  rested 
upon  me.  There  was  eye-salve  in  it,  by  which  the  vi- 
sions of  a  glorious  heaven  gathered  brightness.  Tru- 
ly, my  brother,  such  visits  are  much  to  be  prized  ;  and 
though  our  guests  are  unseen,  they  are  not  unloved 
nor  unfelt.  We  hail  the  light  of  their  approach,  and 
run  to  catch  the  first  glimpse,  till  the  Sun  of  righteous- 
ness comes  upon  our  souls  with  full  splendor.  How 
vivifying  !  How  soul-satisfying  !  'Tis  now  the  world 
wanes  and  dwindles  into  its  real  insignificance. 

"O  that  Zion  would  arise  and  shine  in  her  beauti- 
ful attire !  And  why  does  she  not?  Not  surely  be- 
cause her  King  is  unwilling  that  she  should  be  thus 
adorned.     Till  his  locks  are  wet  with  the  dew,  he  has 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  385 

waited,  and  he  is  waiting  still.  I  trus-t  tiiat  brother  D. 
has  long  since  clad  himself  with  the  white  robe,  and 
still  wjars  his  garments  unspotted  from  the  world. 

"  Seasons  in  which  we  are  thus  refreshed,  are  renew- 
ing seasons.  Both  bodily  and  spiritual  vigor  come 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  If  it  be  so  on  earth, 
what  will  it  be  when  we  see  the  King  in  his  beauty  ? 
O,  my  brother,  to  me  heaven  never  appeared  more  de- 
sirable than  it  has  since  I  saw  you  ;  yet  with  strong 
desire  have  I  wept  to  stay  and  preach  the  Gospel  of  our 
blessed  Lord  Jesus,  for  I  see  there  is  a  wide  difference 
in  entering  heaven  with  and  without  company.  Let 
him  know,  that  he  that  converteth  a  sinner  from  the 
error  of  his  ways,  saveth  a  soul  from  death,  and  hideth 
a  multitude  of  sins.  'They  that  be  wise  shall  shine 
as  the  sun,  and  they  that  turn  many  to  righteousness,  as 
the  stars  for  ever  and  ever.'  How  much  better  to  find 
in  heaven  a  band  of  converts  sent  thither  through  one's 
instrumentality,  than  to  arrive  alone. 

"  The  pain  of  body  that  I  have  undergone  since  I 
saw  you  has  not  been  littk ;  yet  none  too  much,  for  it 
has  been  sweet  discipline.  '  The  cup  that  my  Father 
hath  given  me,  shall  I  not  drink  it  V 

"  Through  God's  goodness  I  am  much  relieved,  and 
only  feel  the  inconvenience  of  debility.  By  and  by 
we  hope  to  wear  glorious  bodies.  When  the  saints 
shall  put  them  on,  may  we  recognize  each  other  aa 
brands  plucked  out  of  the  fire. 

"  Fraternally  yours,  James  B.  TxVylor." 

"  Middle  Haddam,  Jan.  27,  1828.    i 
Tieinx  Brother  K , 

"  I  hare  been  at  home  a  short  time.    I  find  myself 

33  J.B.Taylor. 


iSSb  MEiaOIR    OF 

an  iavalid  yet.  But  of  all  lessons,  those  learned  in 
the  school  of  affliction  I  deem  the  most  salutary. 
Would  one  learn  the  art  of  bemg  patient?  How  can 
he  know  it  unless  he  be  tried  ? 

"  Years  ago,  I  used  to  inquire,  where  are  my  trials  1 
They  have  come.  Some  part,  at  least,  of  the  bitter, 
bitter-sweet  cup,  has  been  drunk.  The  rest  is  in  our 
Father's  hand.  Is  not  this  enough?  Last  night,  pain 
— sweet  pain^  as  I  called  it — had  a  happy  effect  on  my 
soul.  The  thought  of  leaving  the  earth  and  ming- 
ling with  the  holy  above,  was  joy  within,  which  bodi- 
ly pain  forbade  me  to  utter — but  I  found  my  wonted 
resting-place,  and  calmly  reposed  on  him  whom  my 
soul  loveth,  till  I  fell  asleep.  How  sweet — how  soul- 
refreshing,  when  the  heart  can  say,  '  Father,  not  my 
will,  but  thine  be  done.'  May  you  be  a  hundred-fold 
comforted  with  the  same  consolation. 

"  Yours  truly,  James." 

From  Middle  Haddam,  whence  the  foregoing  note 
was  written,  Mr.  Taylor  returned  to  New-Haven,  but 
his  he-alth  continuing  to  decline,  he  was  soon  sum- 
moned to  New-York,  to  prepare  for  a  tour,  or  a  voyage 
to  the  southern  states,  with  the  hope — in  his  case,  alas  ! 
fain  hope — of  staying  the  ravages  of  disease,  and  re- 
covering that  health  which  he  so  earnestly  desired, 
that  he  might  preach  the  Gospel. 

How  he  was  exercised  in  view  of  the  proposed  ex- 
cursion may  be  learned  from  the  following  extracts  of 
a  letter  written  at  Stamford,  while  on  his  way  to  New- 
York,  in  obedience  to  the  call  to  lay  aside  for  a  sea- 
son his  work  of  preparation,  and  seek  the  restoration 
of  his  health. 


JAMES   BBAINERD   TAYLOR.  387 

"  Stamford,  Jan.  30,  1828. 
"  Dear  W , 

"  Say  you,  why  on  your  way  to  New-York  ?  It  is 
not  a  project  of  my  own  ;  but  kind  friends  have  issued 
the  command,  not  of  authority,  but  of  love,  and  bid  me 
pack  up  and  be  on  my  way :  thus  far  I  have  complied. 

"My  dear  Brother — at  first,  my  heart  rather  revolt- 
ed at  the  idea  of  going:  but  before  I  had  finished  the 
letter,  I  could  not  say  aught  why  I  should  remain. 
Nay  more,  I  felt  that  I  should  do  violence  to  my  own 
feelings,  and  the  feelings  of  others,  not  to  go.  How 
different  from  what  I  felt  two  months  ago.  Then  it 
seemed  impossible  to  go  away.  You  remember  the 
reason.  It  was  a  burning  desire  to  live  and  preach 
the  Gospel;  and  I  wished  to  remain  and  prepare  for  it. 
Since  then,  however,  that  intense  longing  has  subsid- 
ed, and  given  place  to  a  calmness  that  has  caused  my 
soul  sweetly  to  rest — not  so  solicitous  to  live  and 
preach  the  Gospel,  as  that  Christ,  as  Lord  of  the  Vine- 
yard, should  dispose  of  me  as  the  execution  of  his 
plan  requires. 

"Thus  you  see  how  sweetly  I  have  been  fitted  to 
leave  all :  indeed  I  go  as  cheerfully  as  I  would  into 
the  pulpit.  I  feel  all  that  calmness  and  composure 
which  result  from  a  consciousness  of  doing  the  will  of 
God.  Therefore  rejoice  with  me,  my  loving  brother, 
and  be  happy  in  the  thought  that  I  am  put  aside  for 
he  present — Put  aside  !  I  am  disposed  to  think  that 
ihis  turning  me  aside  is  to  turn  greatly  to  my  account. 
— To  my  account! — I  hope  to  Zion's  account. 

"  Who  can  say  that  my  journey  is  not  to  survey 
fields  of  labor  which  otherwise  would  not  appear 
iavitmg?    Who  can  say  that  a  link  is  not  to  be  made 


388  MEMOIR  OP 

out  of  this  change  of  circnmstances  not  the  least  im- 
portant— nay,  a  swivel  in  the  chain  of  my  preparation, 
and  one  without  which  the  chain  would  twist  and 
break  ? 

"  May  I  not  fail  to  make  this  a  profitable  tour  !  Pray 
for  me  now  as  you  read,  and  ever,  that  I  may,  by  every 
overturning,  be  more  and  more  moulded  into  the  image 
of  our  dear  Lord  Jesus. 

"I  now  go  out,  not  knowing  the  result.  I  go,  per- 
haps to  recover  my  health:  this  is  my  priwary  object. 
I  go,  perhaps  to  die.  Well ;  I  have  the  sweet  pros- 
pect of  yet  mingling  with  the  holy  in  heaven.  Never, 
never  have  I  had  happier  days  than  since  I  saw  you. 
I  verily  believe  I  have  been  on  Mount  Clear j  and 
spied  out  the  Canaan  that  we  love. 

"YourSj  in  the  best  bonds. 

"Jas.  B.  Taylor." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Visits  at  the  South — Sickness — Death — Conclusion. 

After  some  detention  in  New- York,  Mr.  Taylor  set 
sail  for  Charleston  on  the  7th  March,  and  arrived  on 
the  15th,  without  any  occurrence  of  note,  but,  as  he 
thought,  with  evident  mitigation  of  his  disease.  After 
sojourning  some  time  at  Charleston,  and  enjoying  the 
cordial  hospitalities  of  that  warm-hearted  people,  he 
proceeded  to  Savannah  in  Georgia,  thence  to  Augusta, 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  389 

to  Columbia,  to  Fayetteville,  Petersburg,  Richmond, 
and  so  back  to  New-York.  The  kind  attentions  and 
expressions  of  interest  which  he  received  from  many 
persons  during  this  tour,  were  often  spoken  of  by  hind 
in  language  of  acknowledgment  to  them  and  grati- 
tude to  God.  From  these  several  places  he  wrote 
numerous  letters  to  his  friends,  filled  chiefly  with  de- 
scriptions of  places,  and  observations  on  men  and  man- 
ners, which  prove,  that,  though  in  search  of  health  as 
his  primary  object,  he  had  a  heart  still  to  mingle  with 
the  friends  of  Jesus,  and  to  love  his  Master's  image 
under  whatever  clime  or  color  it  might  appear ;  that 
he  felt  for  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom, 
without  regard  to  localities,  and  that  he  was  a  shrewd 
observer  of  mankind. 

From  a  few  of  these  communications  extracts  will 
be  given,  as  far  as  they  exhibit  the  exercise  of  his  faith 
and  piety,  and  show  the  fatal  progress  of  his  disease, 
and  the  spirit  with  which  he  bore  the  waning  of  hope, 
as  to  recovery. 

At  Savannah  Mr.  Taylor  was  advised  to  make  an 
excursion  for  a  few  days  into  the  country ;,  and  ac- 
cordingly, having  received  letters  of  introduction  to  a 
few  of  the  planters  in  Liberty  county,  he  found  his 
way  to  the  residence  of  a  gentleman  with  whom  he 
spent  two  days,  and  of  whom  he  thus  writes:   "Mr. 

is  a  single  man,  of  about  my  age,  which,  you 

know,  to-morrow,  (15th  April,)  will  be  27.  Though 
not  a  professor  of  religion,  yet  he  takes  a  stand  indi- 
cative of  heartfelt  piety.  Every  night  he  meets  his 
negroes  collected  for  worship;  sings,  reads,  expounds 
the  Bible,  and  prays.  His  sister,  a  lady  of  known 
piety,  meets  the  little  folks  in  the  afternoon,  and  in- 
33* 


390  MEMOIR   OP  } 

structs  and  prays  with  them:  praise-worthy  prac- 
iice;" — and  for  this  reason  we  transfer  the  account  of 
their  conduct  to  our  pages. 

"  At  Col.  L.'s  I  had  a  time  of  refresliing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  :  having  retired  fatigued  and  with 
some  pain  in  my  side,  I  thought  on  health :  our  sym- 
pathizing High  Priest  was  near  to  bless.  The  thought 
of  him  was  balm  to  my  spirit.  I  was  fully  persuaded 
that  if  he  spoke  the  word,  his  servant  should  be  healed. 
To  live  and  recover  I  saw  to  be  in  some  respects  de- 
sirable, yet,  rather  than  carry  about  a  useless  tenement, 
I  felt  it  desirable  to  depart:  yes,  though  I  seemed  to 
love  my  friends  more  than  ever,  I  felt  that  I  could  give 
you  all  up,  and  die,  even  among  strangers.  My  soul 
experienced  joys  that  elevated  me;  and  then  I  could 
so  sweetly  fall  into  the  hands  of  God,  and  meltingly 
say,  my  Father — my  Savior." 

"  Augusta,  April  18,  1828. 
"My  dear  Brother, 

"  The  evening  before  I  left  Savannah  for  this  place 
I  dropped  a  letter  into  the  post-office,  saying,  among 
other  things,  that  I  was  about  to  set  my  face  home- 
ward. We  left  Savannah  on  Thursday  A.  M.  and 
reached  this  to-day.  Mr.  K.'s*  horse  preceded  my 
/ox,  and  thus  we  both  came  in  my  gig.  With  a  little 
more  practice,  I  think,  *  upon  a  pinch,'  I  could  demand 

J$8  per  month  as  a  stage-driver ; but  I  feel  like 

any  thing  else  than  a  single  light  thought. 

"  Were  I  to  describe  my  feelings,  I  should  repre- 
sent myself  as  pensive  or  disheartened.     I  do  not  com- 

•  A  fellow  traveller  for  health,  who  sailed  with  Mr.  T.  from  N.  Y 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  391 

plain :  of  all  men,  I  have  most  reason  to  be  thankful. 
I  would  not  complain — no,  never.  But,  my  dear  bro- 
ther, I  feel  that  I  am  not  gaining  much :  the  week  or 
ten  days  past,  the  old  pam  has  returned  to  my  side. 
Whatsoever  be  the  result,  I  hope  in  all  things  I  shall 
be  kept  from  sinning.  Whether  my  days  be  few  or 
many,  nothing  seems  more  abhorrent  to  my  feelings 
than  to  be  situated  where  I  shall  be  a  burden.  But,  to 
try  me  and  others,  this  may  be  my  lot.  But  desist — 
it  is  not  good  to  borrow  trouble.     Yours  affectionately, 

"James." 

From  Augusta  Mr.  Taylor  wrote  again,  April  20, 
when  he  says: 

"  How  pleasant  to  feed  in  green  pastures  while  tra- 
veling through  the  wilderness.  To-day  the  Good 
Shepherd  hath  given  me  a  rich  repast.  My  soul  has 
gained  strength  from  feeding  on  angels'  food — if  aw- 
g-els  feast  on  the  manifestations  of  God  to  ihem. 
Singing  one  of  the  songs  of  Zion,  my  heart  began  to 
melt,  and  sweetly  flowed  down  into  tenderness  and 
love.  To  call  God  my  Father,  was  sweet  beyond  ex- 
pression ;  Christ,  as  my  eider  Brother,  Friend,  Shep- 
nerd.  Lord — my  all,  captivated  all  my  powers,  and  I 
cried  with  a  broken  heart — 

'Thou  lovely  source  of  true  delight^ 
Whom  I,  unseen,  adore, 
Unveil  thy  beauties  to  my  sight, 
That  I  naay  love  thee  more.^ 

"  O  how  soul-humbling !  how  soul-elevating !  how 
full  of  consolation  !   to  have  the  manifestations  of  Je- 


392  MEMOIR   OF 

sus  as  they  are  not  made  to  the  world.  Perhaps  ne- 
ver with  more  confidence  could  I  ask  for  the  Holy 
Spirit.  Blessed  anointings !  with  this  blessing  we 
climb  the  'delectable  mountains,'  stand  on  Mount 
Clear,'  and  look  away  to  the  fair  land.  How  fair  and 
desirable  it  appeared  to  me  this  evening  !  More  desir- 
able than  the  land  of  my  fathers  !  O  the  prospect  of 
meeting  the  holy,  when  I  shall  have  answered  the 
end  of  my  being  in  this  world.  My  prospect  bright- 
ens as  God  shows  his  beauties  to  my  soul;  and  I 
long  for  the  time  to  arrive  when  I  shall  become  a  dis- 
embodied spirit.  I  wish  to  behold  the  glory  which 
Christ  wishes  his  disciples  to  see.  'Father,  I  will 
that  they  whom  thou  hast  given  me  be  with  me  where 
I  am,  that  they  may  behold  my  glory.'  Much  is  com- 
prised in  that  word,  glory.  Well,  it  will  not  be  long 
before  the  disclosure  will  be  made. 

"Whenever  lam  so  peculiarly  blessed,  then  my 
longings  are  to  preach  the  Gospel.  There  is  an  in- 
tensity of  feeling  that  finds  no  expression  but  in  groans. 
Still  I  lie  in  the  hands  of  God,  and  if  I  mistake  not^ 
acquiesce  in  his  will;  and  I  feel  fully  persuaded  that 
my  protracted  trials  will  issue  in  my  good,  whether  I 
live  or  die.  Through  your  prayers  I  may  yet  be  re- 
stored and  given  to  the  church,  to  which,  under  God, 
long  since  and  repeatedly   I  have  surrendered  myself. ' 

"  24th. — It  may  disappoint  you,  as  I  have  been  dis- 
appointed ;  but  you  would  know  my  case  fully.  I  had 
hoped  that  I  should  not  have  a  return  of  bleeding. 
For  two  or  three  days  previous  to  night  before  last,  I 
had  a  stricture  across  my  lungs,  and  they  felt  as  though 
they  were  tied  up.  Then  I  had  a  turn  of  bleeding, 
pretty  much  as   when  at  New-Haven.     Last  nigbf 


JAMES    BPAINERD    TAYLOR.  393 

there  was  another  discharge  of  about  the  same  amount, 
and  this  morning  another.  I  feel  no  inconvenience 
from  it,  but  am  rel'.eved.  I  have  not  room  to  say  much 
of  the  kindness  that  is  shown  me.  You  would  be 
grateful  to  witness  the  attentions  that  are  paid  to  the 
stranger  in  his  exile.  And  I  am  happy.  This  morn- 
ing my  spirit  has  been  sweetly  refreshed.  Be  not  con- 
cerned about  me. 

"  Columhia,  May  2,  1S2S. 
"For  a  week,  I  think,  before  I  left  Augusta,  and 
since,  there  has  been  no  blood  from  my  throat  or 
lungs.  After  all,  think  not  too  much  of  my  recovery  ; 
I  do  not,  except  that  I  wish  to  live  to  preach  the  Gos- 
pel. O  how  I  have  longed  to  put  in  the  sickle  here! 
Last  Sunday  evening  a  crowded  house  of  young  peo- 
ple waited  to  hear  the  truth.  Think  not  that  it  injur- 
ed me  ;  for  I  was  better  after  it :  it  seemed  to  untie  mv 
lungs.  As  I  delivered  my  message,  I  longed  to  fol- 
low it  up.  But  no ;  whether  I  live  or  die,  the  Lord  be 
magnified." 

From  Columbia  Mr.  Taylor  pursued  his  course 
northward,  until  reaching  Louisburg,  N.  C.  as  a  Chris- 
tian traveler,  he  stopped  to  keep  holy  day,  and  thence 
sent  the  following  interesting  letter: 

"May  25,  1828. 
"  My  dear,  dear  Brother, 

'•  Though  worn  cut  with  the  journey  of  the  day,  you 
will  allow  me  to  pour  a  little  from  the  fullness  of  my 
heart.  I  am  in  a  snug  harbor,  with  the  prospect  ot 
enjoying  the  approaching  Sabbath,  by  keeping  holy 
Jay  here.     I  need  the  day  both  for  body  and  mind :  to 


394  MEMOIR    OF 

renew  my  physical  strength  for  the  journey,  and  lo 
put  on  anew  the  armor  of  righteousness. 

"My  former  letters  bear  testimony  to  repeated  sea- 
sons in  which  I  have  been  refreshed.  Last  night  one 
occurred,  and  O  how  timely !  I  wet  my  couch  with 
tears,  sweet  tears,  from  a  broken,  submissive  heart. 
My  dear  brother,  you  know  what  a  solicitude  I  have 
felt  to  preach  the  Gospel ;  and  but  for  preparation  for 
this,  how  willing  I  was  to  relinquish  all,  upon  your 
visit  to  New-Haven."  [This  refers  to  his  brother's 
desire  that  he  should  travel  for  his  health.]  "  O,  it 
was  a  burning  of  soul,  that  would  take  no  denial. 
You  know,  from  my  testimony,  how  I  yielded  the  de- 
cision into  God's  hands,  to  dispose  of  me  as  pleased 
hirn.  In  this  I  have  rested.  Last  night  it  seemed 
pretty  clear  to  ray  mind  what  would  be  the  result.  I 
looked  not  for  the  blessedness  of  standing  upon  the 
beautiful  walls  of  Zion,  as  a  watchman  to  sound  the 
alarm.  The  evidence  was,  that  the  trumpet  had  fail- 
ed. The  fact  stares  me  in  the  face.  If  I  attempt  to 
converse,  to  sing,  to  pray  aloud,  the  once — tuned  in- 
strument is  discordant:  shortness  of  breath  is  trouble- 
some. If  I  attempt  to  walk  up  a.  hill,  it  excites  the 
lungs  so  much  that  respiration  is  difficult;  and  even 
throwing  myself  upon  the  bed  produces  breathing 
enough  for  one  that  has  run  a  race.  My  lungs  are  ve- 
ry sensitive.  Now  all  this  was  not  the  case  when  I 
left  you,  nor  when  I  set  out  upon  my  journey  from  the 
south.  A  blessing  came  in  connection  with  the  hold 
which  the  ministry  had  upon  my  heart,  and  with  the 
interrogatory,  Will  you  give  it  up?  Dear  brother, 
think  my  whole  soul  responded — and  I  hardly  know 
liow — 'Yes,  yes,  thy  will  be  done;  and  there  was  a 


JAMES    BliAINERD    TAYLOR.  395 

staying  upon  God,  and  a  solid,  indescribable  comfort 
vvitliin.  Thus  you  see  how  one  thing  after  another  is 
lopping  off.  And  indeed,  more  than  ever,  I  thought  it 
became  me  to  set  my  house  in  order;  and  I  longed  to 
live  more  like  Christ,  and  to  exhibit  more  of  his  cha- 
racter. The  prospect  was  'pleasant  even  of  putting 
aside  prospective  labors  and  of  entering  into  rest.  If 
it  should  soon  take  place,  aviU  not  my  brother,  my  dear 
brother,  whom  I  seem  to  love  more  than  ever,  give  me 
up?  Yes,  like  a  Christian;  and  so  will  others  whom 
,1  love.  As  ever,  yours,  James." 

Early  in  the  month  of  June  Mr.  Taylor  arrived  at 
his  brother's  in  New-York,  whence  he  sent  a  number 
of  letters  to  his  friends.  Having  previously  announc- 
ed to  his  parents  his  arrival,  on  the  25th  of  June  he 
wrote  them  as  follows : 

"  New-York,  June  25, 1828. 

"  I  doubt  not  my  beloved  friends  on  the  hill  would 
rather  see  my  person  than  my  letters.  It  is  indeed 
great  self-denial  on  my  part  not  to  gratify  them.  But 
as  it  is  considered  on  the  whole  best  for  me  to  tarry 
here  yet  a  little,  I  will  again  let  you  know  of  my 
affairs. 

"  My  letter  written  from  Louisburg  you  have  pro- 
bably seen.  In  that,  I  think  it  was,  1  mentioned  the 
fact  that  I  had  relinquished  the  hope  of  preaching. 
That  conquest  was  a  crown.  Last  night  I  obtained 
another:  'Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  tempta- 
tion, (trial,)  for  when  he  is  tried,  he  shall  receive  the 
crown  of  life.'  The  trial  that  assailed  me  was  a  pain 
in  my  left  breast,  which  to  me  appeared  to  be  a  new 
indication  of  my  mortality.     It  was  welcomed  with 


dtfb  MEMOIR   OP 

joy.  I  yielded  sweet  assent.  My  heart  was  melted 
into  tenderness,  and  my  whole  soul  felt  a  'preference., 
if  it  were  God's  will,  to  depart.  I  desired  to  be  ^one. 
I  longed  to  see  my  heavenly  Father,  whose  matchless 
goodness  had  plucked  me  as  a  brand  from  the  burning. 
I  longed  to  be  with  Christ.  To  see  him  to  whom  I 
am  indebted  for  the  much  he  has  done  for  me.  I  long- 
ed for  the  society  of  angels  and  saints,  and  thought  of 
some  whom  I  should  see  among  the  glorified. 

"  The  goodness  of  God,  as  exhibited  in  my  conver- 
sion, and  the  present  comfort  of  soul  in  the  midst  of 
my  protracted  trials,  was  overwhelming.  Thus  my 
dear,  dear  parents,  see  that  the  Lord  leaveth  me  not. 
Surely  he  is  with  me ;  and  for  his  presence  my  pil- 
low is  often  wet  with  tears  of  joy.  Should  1  recover, 
I  shall  look  upon  the  varied  dealings  of  God  with  me 
as  happily  preparatory  to  my  future  usefulness. 

"  With  love  to  you  all,  James.-' 

After  remaining  some  weeks  in  New-York,  for  the 
sake  chiefly  of  medical  advice  and  attendance,  Mr. 
Taylor  repaired  to  his  fathers  house,  whence  he  wrote 
to  his  brother  K several  letters  showing  the  flat- 
tering nature  of  his  disease,  and  exhibiting  something 
of  his  character. 

"  Middle  Haddam,  July  27, 18S». 
"  My  dear  Brother, 

"  Conversation  engrosses  but  little  of  my  time.  My 
food  IS  light — digestion  good.  I  ride  more  or  less  on 
horseback  or  in  my  gig.  During  each  day,  spend 
some  time  in  studying  metaphysics,  philosophy,  and 
theology. 


JAMES  BRAINBRD   TAYLOR.  397 

"  From  the  fact  that  I  am  able  to  do  more,  and 
with  greater  facility,  I  persuade  myself  that  I  gather 
strength :  I  think  I  cough  less.  Blisters  repeatedly  ap- 
plied have  kept  me  not  a  little  sore.  However,  it  is 
good  philosophy  to  endure  a  smaller,  to  root  out  a 
greater  evil.  Yesterday  I  felt  sick  of  being  sick,  not 
so  much  on  my  own  account,  as  on  account  of  those 
so  benevolently  affectioned  towards  me.  I  hope  it  did 
not  rise  to  a  complaint  of  Providence.  But  the  idea 
of  so  much  and  continued  expenditure  of  the  time,  and 
money,  and  feelings  of  others  on  my  behalf,  and  with 
so  little,  if  any  amendment,  sadly  affected  me.  The 
proof,  too,  that  I  have  of  its  all  flowing  from  a  fullness 
of  overflowing  kindness  on  their  part,  only  tended  to 
make  me  feel  more ;  for  a  soul  that  feels  undeserving 
and  dependent,  cannot  but  appreciate  such  favors, 
and  is  glad  to  unburden  itself  by  expressing  a  corres- 
ponding gratitude. 

"  This  morning  I  felt  strong  enough  to  preach.  I 
am  encouraged,  and  live  with  the  hope  of  one  day  tri- 
umphing over  debility  and  disease,  and  standing  forth 
a  well  man,  to  subserve  the  tiause  of  God  on  earth. 
The  hill  looks  Well,  and  is  improving.  The  trees  grow 
finely.  Are  you  and  yours  coming  up  ?  We  shall  be 
glad  to  see  you,  and  will  do  all  we  can  to  make  you 
happy.     Love  to  E.  and  the  children. 

"  Yours,  as  ever,  James  B.  Taylor." 

"  Middle  Haddam,  Aug.  4,  1828. 

*'  Dear  Brother, 

"  I  think  myself  gaining  in  strength  and  flesh,  though 
little  of  either ;  enough,  however,  for  encouragement. 
i  have  been  reviewing  my  course,  so  that  I  am  well 

2^  J.  B.  Taylor. 


398  MEMOIR   OF 

tiigh  prepared  to  be  examined  for  license.  Two  of  my 
class  were  examined  and  licensed  week  before  last. 
The  Association  meets  again  on  the  last  Tuesday  of 
this  month  to  license  the  remainder.  This  being  one 
thing  that  I  wish  to  get  out  of  the  wa)^,  and  being  pre- 
pared for  it,  I  have  thought  it  best  to  be  licensed  also. 
jNIy  sermon  I  Avrote,  for  the  most  part,  when  at  the 
South.  I  presume  your  sentiments  on  this  point  will 
accord  with  mine.  Among  other  reasons,  these  have 
Aveighed  somev/hat  on  my  mind,  amid  the  uncertainty 
of  my  recovery   so  as  to  be  able  to  preach. 

'•  Should  I  be  able  to  perform  the  duties  of  a  naval 
chaplain,  and  a  sea  voyage  be  recommended,  I  should 
gladly  enter  such  a  sphere  of  labor  for  the  sake  of 
doing  good  and  defraying  expenses.  Should  I  become  a 
resident  of  a  West  India  island,  as  has  been  suggested, 
if  found  to  agree  with  my  constitution,  I  had  better  go 
commissioned  to  preach  than  otherwise.  Should  I  go 
South  to  spend  the  Avinter,  it  would  not  be  a  disadvan- 
tage to  go  as  a  preacher.  Should  I  remain  at  home^ 
a  burden  would  be  off  my  mind.  So  far,  then,  as  I 
can  see,  I  cannot  but  conclude  that  it  is  my  duty  to  be 
examined  and  licensed  with  my  class. 

"Yours  tiuly,  J.  B.  Taylor.'' 

"  Middle  Haddam,  Sept.  9,  182S. 
•'Dear  Brother  K , 

"  I  am  here  at  anchor ;  no  head  wind  but  blows  some 
one  good.  I  hope  to  ride  out  the  storm  patiently^  and 
especially  amidst  so  many  comforts.  Often  the  sky^' 
long  lowering,  clears  away  ;  and  hope,  as  if  on  wings^ 
places  me  where  I  have  longed  to  be,  in  the  vineyard. 
1  read,  the  other  day, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  399 
'  The  youth, 


'  Who  in  the  glowmg  mora  of  vigorous  life, 
'  High  reaching  after  great  religious  deeds. 

*  Was  suddenly  cut  off,  with  all  his  hopes 

'  In  sunny  bloom,  and  unaccomplish'd  left 
'  His  wither'd  aims — saw  everlasting  days 

*  Before  him  dawning  rise,  in  which  to  achieve 
'  All  glorious  things.' 

"  As  I  read  I  wept.  O,  my  dear  brother,  it  is  hard 
VvTork,  tut  it  IS  good  work.  But  I  am  gaining,  and 
ought  to  be  thankful.  A  course  of  suffering  may  be 
tbe  necessary  means  to  prepare  for  a  sphere  of  high 
action  either  in  this  or  in  the  other  world.  Think  not 
that  I  complain :  no,  I  think  I  would  not  for  the  uni- 
verse take  my  course  into  my  own  hands.  Why  not 
give  a  call  on  the  Hill  ?  We  all  should  be  so  glad 
to  see  you. 

"  Your  much  obliged,  J.  B.  Taylor." 

In  accordance  with  Mr.  Taylor^s  views  on  the  sub- 
ject of  being  licensed,  he  attended  the  Middlesex  Con- 
sociation, which  met  in  East  Haddam,  Oct.  8,  1828 ; 
read  his  trial  sermon,  on  the  text,  John,  12  :  26,  '•  If 
any  man  serve  me,  him  will  my  Father  honor," — was 
examined  with  respect  to  his  own  religious  experi- 
ence, his  knoAvledge  of  Christian  theology,  and  his 
ability  to  teach  and  defend  the  truths  of  the  Gospel — 
all  which  were  approved,  and  he  was  licensed  to 
preach  as  a-  candidate  for  the  Gospel  ministry. 

But  his  health  being  unequal  to  the  labor  of  execut- 
ing this  long-desired  commission,  it  was  resolved  by 
Mr-  Taylor's  friends,  but  with  his  own  hearty  concur- 
rence, that  he  should  spend  the  winter  at  the  Ur.ion 
Theological  Seminary  in  Prince  Edward  county,  Vir- 


400  MEMOIR  OP 

ginia,  in  the  family  of  the  Rev.  John  Holt  Rice,  D.  D. 
then  Professor  of  Christian  Theology  in  that  Institu- 
tion. To  this  retreat  Mr.  Taylor  was  invited  by  the 
affectionate  kindness  of  Dr.  Rice,  and  by  the  mild  and 
healthful  climate  of  that  part  of  Virginia.  Before  set- 
ting out  on  this  journey,  he  addressed  letters  to  seve- 
ral of  his  friends,  from  which  some  extracts  will  now 
be  given. 

To  his  friend  L.  P.  he  commenced  a  letter  at  Mid- 
dle Haddam  on  the  1st  of  October,  and  concluded  it 
in  New- York,  after  leaving  his  father's  house  for  the 
last  time. 

"  Middle  Haddam,  Oct.  1,  1823. 
"3Iy  muc}i  loved  friend, 

"You  will  be  glad  to  hear  from  me,  though  still  'in 
bonds.'  The  chain  that  bound  me  when  at  your  house 
in  June,  though  not  so  heavy,  still  holds  me.  Whe- 
ther I  shall  burst  it  ere  I  become  a  disembodied  spirit 
is  known  only  to  Him  who  has  thus  far  upheld  my 
goings.  This  is  to  let  you  know  that  I  consider  my- 
self convalescent,  though  about  my  lungs  there  are  in- 
dications no  way  flattering.  Also,  that  I  purpose  to 
leave  my  paternal  roof  for  another  of  my  loved  homes 
in  New-York.  Should  circumstances  permit,  I  may 
visit  New-Jersey.  I  do  not  make  too  much  of  seemg 
you,  for  I  may  be  disappointed  ;  yet  how  gladly  would 
we  be  comforters  one  of  another. 

'•  The  grave  does  not  seem  so  near  as  it  did  when 
you  saw  me  so  prostrated  ;  but  still  I  may  be  standing 
on  its  brink." 

"JSTew-York,  Oct.  31. 

"  The  above,  as  you  perceive,  I  wrote  nearly  a 
month  since.     Hither  I  have  come  to  sojourn  hut  three 


JAME-S    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  4C1 

days  more.  On  Monday  I  expect  to  set  sail,  net  to 
your  dwelling,  but  to  a  haven  appointed  by  friends  and 
physicians.  I  set  sail  for  Petersburg,  Virginia  ;  thence 
I  go  to  Prince  Edward  county  to  winter,  unless  in 
mercy  I  should  be  taken  to  a  clime  more   desirable. 

"  I  have  detained  this  with  the  hope  that  in  person 
I  should  see  you.  For  this  purpose  I  had  designed  to 
pass  through  Princeton  and  Lawrenceville.  But  as 
my  health  does  not  warrant  the  fatigues  of  journey  ing, 
and  the  excitement  of  seeing  dear  friends,  I  am  de- 
nied the  pleasure.  It  is  self-denial.  Peradventure  I 
may  retuia  in  the  spring,  better  able  to  enjoy  the  so- 
ciety of  those  I  love.  If  not,  the  land  of  dear  delights 
is  before  me.  Do  you  ask  how  I  am  in  my  protracted 
afflictions  ?  The  Lord  doeth  all  things  well.  Sweet 
thoughts  of  Jesus  melt  my  soul.  Communion  with 
heaven  is  soul-elevating  and  soul-transforming.  In  a 
word,  I  am  a  happy,  though  a  sick  and  dying  man. 
The  Lord  most  gently  and  mercifully  hands  me  down 
the  hill  of  life,  while  the  descent  seems  very  short. 
O,  It  will  be  sweet  to  take  the  last  step,  and  walk  in- 
to eternity.  To  me  the  grave  wears  choice  attire — 
Paradise  more  choice.  I  wish,  and  often  with  long- 
ing, to  see  Jesus  as  he  is,  to  mingle  with  the  holy 
above — to  sing  the  song  of  the  shining  ones.  O  think 
not  that  I  am  gloomy  or  depressed ;  far,  far,  very  far 
from  it.  Think  of  me  as  visited  from  above,  and  roll- 
ed along  in  a  chariot  all  paved  with  love — think  of 
me  as  one  who  loves  you — think  of  me  and  pray  for 
me  as  one  feeble,  shattered,  tottering,  and  almost  fall- 
ing— falling  into  the  arms  of  our  Beloved. 
"If  my  last — my  most  affectionate  adieu, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 
34* 


402  MEMOIR   OP 

Reference  has  already  been  made  to  a  fragment  of 
a  diary  kept  for  a  short  time  during  the  latter  part  of 
this  year.  From  this  record  we  shall  now  present  a 
few  extracts : 

'•'Oct.  9,  P.  M. — Left  my  paternal  roof  on  my  way 
to  a  southern  clime.  Our  tears  flowed  at  the  sound 
farewell, — dear,  kind,  affectionate  kindred. 

"  10th. — Reached  New-Haven,  and  one  of  my  loved 
homes — again  enjoyed  the  social  and  friendly  inter- 
course of  kindred  spirits.  Our  christian  communion 
was  doubly  sweet.  I  enjoyed  refreshings— especially  in 
Sunday  evening  exercises,  in  which  all  were  melted. 

"  13th. — Left  New-Haven,  and  again  met  those  I 
love  in  New-York,  again  occupied  a  loved  habitation, 
and  again  received  the  kind  offices  and  sympathies  of 
dear  K.  and  E.  Met  Mrs.  Palmer  and  Mary,  who 
embark  to-morrow  for  Charleston :  they  urge  me  to 
accompany  them.  I  lie  moored,  and  wait  with  sweet 
patience  the  decision  of  physicians  and  friends.  May 
God  direct. 

"  Last  night,  though  restless  and  wakeful,  I  was 
greatly  blessed.  My  enjoyment  of  God,  in  the  night  sea- 
son, filled  me  with  sweet  peace  and  strong  confidence.  I 
think  I  know  and  have  felt  for  a  season  past,  especial- 
ly last  night,  the  '  strait '  in  which  Paul  was.  I  wa- 
tered my  pillow  with  sweet  tears — I  longed  to  fly 
away  to  Jesus — I  longed  to  stay  and  labor  in  his  cause. 
I  can  neither  say  let  me  die,  nor  let  me  live.  My  heart 
cries  out  for  God  to  lead  and  dispose  of  ray  all.  I  am 
in  his  hands,  and  he  will  guide  me  even  unto  death. 

"  18th. — I  am  now  waiting  the  arrival  of  raedica) 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  403 

men,  to  examine  and  pronounce  upon  my  case.  Should 
they  say  that  I  am  not  in  a  confirmed  consumption, 
or  at  least  on  the  confines  of  it,  I  shall  be  disappointed. 

"Yesterday,  P.  M.  and  evening,  I  enjoyed  sweet 
meltings  of  soul  in  view  of  the  many  mercies  sur- 
rounding me.  Surely,  if  on  my  way  to  an  early  grave, 
T  am  going  down  most  comfortably— my  dear  friends 
load  me  with  benefits. 

"  It  is  sweet  to  look  beyond  time.  I  think  I  must 
regard  my  laboring  days  as  gone  by,  and  perhaps  1 
shall  soon  enter  upon  my  long  resti7ig  day. 

"  It  has  made  my  heart  ache  to  think  that  I  should 
be  put  aside  so  soon,  but  grace  has  proved  sufficient: 
I  am  sweetly  patient.  The  Father  smiles  upon  his 
child.  A  sympathizing  Jesus  is  with  me.  Comfort 
and  joy  from  the  Holy  Ghost  pervade  my  soul. 

"  Retrospectively,  it  appears  that  God  has  designed 
to  perfect  me  through  sufferings — pain  of  body  and 
disappointment  as  to  the  ministry.  Well,  I  am  a  wit- 
ness to  the  wise  dealings  of  the  wise  One.  God  knows 
what  is  best,  and  that  is  best  for  me.  He  hath  led  me, 
as  he  leads  one  to  holiness,  to  happiness,  to  heaven. 
Amen. 

"  19th. — The  physicians  came.  The  result  of  their 
examination  was  unexpected.  So  far  as  they  could 
discover,  they  thought  me  sound,  except  an  affection 
of  the  mucous  membrane,  which  they  would  endeavor 
to  relieve.  So  it  seems  I  may  yet  recover  and  live  to 
preach  the  Gospel ;  still  uncertainty  hangs  over  the 
restoration  of  my  debilitated  and  overdone  system. 

"  From  the  examination  it  was  discovered  that  the 
cause  of  my  painful  days  and  nights,  for  two  years  and 
more,  was  a  spinal  affection  :  which  disease  commenc- 


404  MEMOIR   OP 

ed,  continued,  and  I  hope  terminated,  without  being 
found  out  before. 

"2Sth. — Yesterday  had  sweet  thoughts  of  Jesus. 
The  thought  of  becoming  a  pure  spirit  refreshed  my 
soul. 

"  Last  night,  after  I  had  retired,  a  precious  love  to- 
ken was  handed  down  to  the  unworthiest.  The  Lord 
remembereth  that  I  am  but  dust:  I  am  of  a  feeble 
frame.  Often  I  find  it  a  laborious  task  to  repeat  even 
the  four  lines  I  learned  in  my  earliest  infancy — '  Now 
I  lay  me  down  to  sleep,'  &c.  Greatly  fatiguing  to 
repeat  the  Lord's  prayer.  How  mercifully  the  Lord 
accommodates  himself  to  this  weakness.  The  other 
night  I  had  but  just  lain  down  and  thought  of  the 
sweet  pleasures  which  religion  afibrds,  when  my  soul 
was  filled  with  peace  ;  so,  at  times  during  the  day,  in 
my  lonely  hours  as  I  sit  and  while  away  the  time, 
unable  to  study  or  read.  Last  night  I  was  refreshed 
with  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One. 

"  I  thought  of  meeting  one  who  asked  me  whether  I 
had  any  solicitude  now  to  preach  the  Gospel.  My  an- 
swer was,  no.  I  added,  the  days  of  my  solicitude  are 
gone  by.  Then  I  remembered  seasons  of  anxiety, 
deep,  nay,  burning  anxiety,  that  I  had  had  to  do  the 
work  of  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ.  Mine  eyes  ran 
down  with  tears,  with  the  sweet  consciousness  of  an 
honest  appeal  to  God,  who  had  ever  marked  out  my 
way.  The  seasons  have  not  been  few  in  which  I  have 
groaned  for  the  work,  and  for  due  preparation  for  it. 
The  thought  of  relinquishing  this  object  was  plea- 
sing, if  so  the  will  of  God  be.  Nay,  I  was  rather  desi- 
rous of  leaving  all  behind  and  going  to  Jesus.  I  think 
I  see  enough  worth  dying  for. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  405 

"29th.— Of  the  seven  sons  of  my  father's  house,  I 
am  apparently  farthest  on  my  journey  to  the  grave. 
To-day  I  wept  at  the  thought  of  soon  leaving  my  dear 
friends  far  behind.  I  shall  leave  ihem  more  an  inva- 
lid than  when  I  went  south  last  spring — it  grieves  me 
not  to  think  of  bidding  them  adieu,  even  if  it  prove  a 
last  farewell.  I  love  them  now — when  glorified,  how 
much  more.  Peace  and  heaven's  choicest  blessings 
attend  them.  It  is  sweet  to  think  of  falling  into  the 
hands  of  Jesus.  It  is  delightful  to  confide  in  God  as  a 
Father  who  has  suited  his  dealings  to  the  frailties  of 
his  little  one — I  wept  in  his  presence  as  I  remember- 
ed my  disobedience.  How  great  his  grace  and  mercy  ! 
There  is  forgiveness  with  God.  It  was  delightfully 
pleasant  to  contemplate  the  Holy  Spirit  as  Comforter  ; 
I  longed  to  see  of  the  things  of  Christ  yet  more  and 
more  brightly.  Roll  on,  ye  wheels  of  time,  and  bring 
me,  a  welcomed  saint,  to  the  dwelling-place  of  Jesus, 
my  best  beloved." 

On  the  4th  November  Mr.  Taylor,  as  announced  in 
his  letters,  embarked  for  Petersburg,  (Virginia,)  on 
his  way  to  Prince  Edward,  and  arrived  on  the  9th. 
Whence,  on  the  15th,  he  wrote  to  his  brother  at  New- 
Haven  : 

"DearF , 

"  Having  entered  on  the  study  of  your  profession, 
make  conscience  of  studying  to  approve  yourself  unto 
God.  To  please  God — to  be  blessed  and  made  a 
blessing,  thus  to  live  and  be  happy— should  be  our 
first,  constant,  and  last  aim.     If  I  sought  for  one  thing 


406  MEMOIR   OF 

more  than  another  in  my  preparatory  course,  acade- 
mical, collegiate,  and  theological,  it  was  to  be  signally 
ANOINTED  of  God,  for  the  great,  the  good,  the  most  desi- 
rable, the  highest  work  of  man.  I  am  happy  in  this  con- 
sciousness. With  little  probability  of  ever  doing  this 
work,  I  am  greatly  glad  that  I  sought  this  holy  unc- 
tion and  I  can  testify  that  I  found  it.  All  along  I  was 
anointed;  and  I  most  affectionately  and  urgently  pre- 
sent this  as  pre-eminent  in  importance.  All  else  will 
go  on  well  enough — rather  let  all  else  suffer,  than 
forego  the  refreshings  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

"  It  is  very  pleasant  for  me  to  think  that  God  can 
glorify  himself  and  let  me  be  an  invalid.  My  confi- 
dence in  God  to  endow  me  great,  has  much  increas- 
ed of  late.  Think  of  me  then,  not  as  desponding 
under  his  debarring  me  from  the  vineyard,  but  as  quite 
contented  and  happy — as  rather  willing  to  be  sick,  be- 
lieving it  to  be  his  will.  Think  of  me  as  handed  down 
very  kindly,  tenderly,  and  mercifully,  though  rapidly, 
on  my  way  to  the  grave.  Heaven  appears  very  desi- 
rable. 

"  Ever  truly  and  affectionately,  James." 

The  beginning  of  1829  finds  Mr.  Taylor  located  m 
his  last  home  on  earth.  Having  spent  a  few  days  in 
Petersburg  and  Richmond,  enjoying  the  hospitalities 
of  Christian  friends,  whose  privilege  it  was  to  enter- 
tain this  devoted  disciple,  he  proceeded  to  his  destined 
resting-place  in  the  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
whither  Dr.  Rice  had  invited  him  to  come  and  spend 
the  winter. 

After  his   arrival  in  Virginia,  Mr.   Taylor   wrot^ 


JAMBS  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  407 

several  letters,  which  speak  of  places  and  their  aspect ; 
of  Christian  friends  and  their  kindness ;  and  of  his 
gratitude  to  God  and  to  them  ;  of  the  goodness  of  God, 
and  of  his  own  love  and  confidence,  and  acquiescence 
in  the  divine  will  5  and  of  the  alternations  of  hope 
and  despondency,  as  he  felt  better  or  worse  under  the 
changes  incident  to  one  who  is  contending  with  the 
most  flattering  and  fatal  disease.  But  though  borne 
down  with  his  malady,  and  often  oppressed  with  a 
sense  of  weakness  almost  intolerable,  he  lost  no  op- 
portunity of  endeavoring  to  relieve  the  anxiety  of  his 
relatives  and  friends,  and  of  expressing  his  strong 
affection  for  them.  Nor  did  he  cease  to  feel,  and  by 
all  the  means  in  his  power  to  labor  for  that  cause  which 
to  him  was  dearer  than  life.  As  an  evidence  of  the 
interest  he  continued  to  feel  in  the  advancement  of 
Christ's  kingdom,  and  as  an  appeal  which  may  reach 
some  heart,  and  yet  bring  a  faithful  laborer  into  the 
service  of  the  church,  we  give  the  following  extract  of 
a  letter  written  4th  January,  1829. 

"  Unable  as  I  am  to  labor,  and  seeing  the  great  bar-* 
vest-field  and  the  fewness  of  the  laborers,  I  am  so 
interested  that  I  cannot  but  urge  men  to  go  into  the 
harvest.  I  know  not  what  may  be  your  decision  noiO 
as  to  this  object ;  but  these  thoughts  suggest  them- 
selves to  me :  Is  it  not  in  the  power  of  my  friend  to 
do  much  in  advancing  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ, 
by  preaching  the  Gospel?  Would  not  his  father, 
from  a  consideration  of  the  fewness  of  ministers,  and 
the  great  and  pressing  call  for  them,  say,  '  Go,  my 
son,  and  be  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ.  I  will  con- 
gent  to  deny  myself,  for  the  sake  of  Him  who   left 


40S  MEMOIR   OF 

heaven  to  die  on  the  cross.'  How  can  you  think  ot 
dragging  out  your  life  in  that  secluded  spot  on  a  farm, 
when  you  may  go  out  into  the  world  and  be  so  much 
mor-e  usefitl.  You  are  young — none  too  old  to  com- 
mence. In  a  few  years  you  may  be  prepared,  and  then 
you  may  live  many  years  to  preach  the  Gospel.  As 
to  means  for  your  support,  you  need  not  be  troubled  : 
only  make  up  your  mind,  and  the  way  will  be  opened. 
"I  present  this  subject  to  you  to  think  of.  Think 
of  it  alone.  Go  over  the  ground  again  and  again,  and 
see  if  it  be  not  your  duty  to  enter  upon  this  work. 
Write  to  me  about  it.  Tell  me  the  difficulties,  if  there 
be  any,  in  the  way.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  of  youi* 
spiritual  welfare." 

To  a  much  esteemed  Christian  brother  Mr.  Taylor 
Wrote  on  the  15th  January,  1829. 

"  Union  Thtol.  Sent.  Prince  Edward^  Va. 
"  Dear  Brother  B-- , 

"  Your  love-letter  of  the  1st  inst.  reached  me  a  few 
days  since.  I  was  glad  to  break  its  seal,  and  find  it 
was  from  a  friend  and  brother  beloved- 

"  It  has  become  so  much  of  a  task  for  me  to  write^ 
that  I  must  now  put  off  my  correspondents  with  a  few 
lines  only. 

"  By  the  letters  I  have  written,  you  have  heard  of 
my  condition.  The  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all 
understanding,  keeps  my  heart,  through  Christ  Jesus. 
Since  I  saw  you  I  have  not  been  a  stranger  to  sweet 
unointmgs,  whose  fruit  is  lasting  peace.  On  my  be- 
half you  will  rejoice. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  409 

"  1  am  glad  of  your  joy  and  peace  in  believing.  May 
they  increase  more  and  more. 

"The  Seminary  is  flourishingi  Much  has  already 
been  done  by  it  for  the  good  of  this  land.  Very  much 
more  remains  to  be  done. 

"  My  debility  will  be  my  excuse  for  brevity.  I  shall 
be  glad  to  hear  from  you  again  and  again. 

"Yours  truly,  James  B.  Taylor." 

On  the  same  date  he  vsrrote  to  his  brother  K. 

"  In  my  absence  heretofore,  as  now,  I  have  often 
thought  myself  the  happiest  of  men.  So  be  comfort- 
ed, my  dear  brother,  and  ever  think  of  me  as  taken  up 
by  our  heavenly  Father,  as  a  little  one,  and  continu- 
ally and  greatly  blessed.  On  Saturday^  my  soul  wag 
melted  under  a  sense  of  our  heavenly  Father's  pre- 
sence. Sitting  alone  my  uplifted  desire  was  uttered — 
Father,  give  me  the  Holy  Spirit.  An  unction  from 
the  Holy  One  greatly  refreshed  my  soul.  I  had  been 
saying,  Lord,  how  long  ?  in  reference  to  my  protracted 
trials.  My  whole  soul  yielded,  and  said.  Even  so 
long  as  the  Lord  will ;  but  thou  wilt  give  me  thy  Spi- 
rit. I  hardly  know  when  my  confidence  gathered 
strength  so  fast  in  God,  that  he  would  make  me  hap- 
py. With  unusual  sweetness  I  adopted  the  language 
of  Jesus,  '  Father,  glorify  thyself.'  O,  I  felt  happy 
that  he  would  be  glorified.  My  confidence  in  the  gift 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  was  greatly  strengthened. 

"  After  such  anointings  the  soul  rests  in  calm,  sweet, 
'iieavenly  peace. 

'  Not  a  wave  of  trouble  rolls 
'  Across  my  peaceful  breast. 

"  With  increased  affection,  James." 

35  J.  B.  Taylof 


410  MEMOIR   OF 

To  another  brother  Mr.  Taylor  wrote  on  the  20th  1 

"  Those  letters  that  I  have  written  cost  me  labor,  as 
every  effort  does.  And  surely  I  know  I  would  not 
Write  again  but  to  gratify  my  friends.  Though  di- 
rected to  one,  they  were  meant  to  give  information  to 
all.  I  am  sorry  that  my  brother  thinks  me  depressed, 
when  it  is  not  so  :  far  from  it ;  peace  rules  in  my  heart ; 
sweet  refreshings  come  from  above,  and  happify  me 
from  time  to  time.  Think  of  me  then  as  happy, 
very  happy." 

To  another  friend,  on  the  25th: 

"  I  hope  you  are  all  well.  I  love  to  think  of  my 
friends  as  enjoying  health;  it  gives  me  high  plea- 
sure ;  yet  higher  to  know  that  they  are  abiding  in 
Christ,  and  w^alking  as  he  walked. 

"  You  have  often  heard  my  testimony  to  the  rich 
grace  of  God.  It  nov/  abounds  unto  me.  His  visits 
of  love  are  followed  with  sweet  peace.  This  helps 
me  much  to  bear  my  weakness,  which  I  find  harder 
inork  than  formerly. 

'  Think  of  me  as  one  blessed  of  God,  and  happy, 
though  an  invalid. 

"  I  have  done  no  preaching,  nor  shall  I  do  any  but 
parlor  preaching. 

"  Let  me  be  refreshed  by  a  letter  from  you.  Through 
letters  I  now  obtain  almost  all  my  foreign  pleasure. 

"This  is  written  out  of  much  weakness.  And  I 
should  treat  you  as  I  should  my  other  friends — not 
Write  a  line  but  to  gratify  you,  for  it  is  a  great  physi* 
cal  task.     Glad  am  I  always  at  the  last  word. 

"  Farev/ell,  as  ever,  yours,        Jas.  B.  Taylor.'* 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  411 

To  his  brother  K.  he  wrote,  Feb.  11 : 

"  For  some  time  past  I  have  been  gradually  grow- 
ing feeble.  1  am  much  more  so  than  on  my  arrival. 
For  a  few  days  I  seemed  to  have  a  coldness  approxi- 
mating to  chill,  succeeded  by  fever.  These  changes 
enfeebled  me  much.  My  appetite  has  failed  consider- 
ably. Though  furnished  with  many  varieties,  I  relish 
little.  I  am  glad  at  every  day's  exit:  and  though 
weaker  and  more  helpless,*  I  hope  to  be  returned  to 
you  with  gladness,  in  much  patience  and  full  submis- 
sion to  the  will  of  our  heavenly  Father. 

"  I  am  wearied  already  in  this  little  doing.  Affec- 
tionately yours,  "  James." 

"By  my  amanuensis,  Mrs.  R.  I  thought  to  tell  you 
at  greater  length ;  but,  like  all  glorious  manifestations 
of  God  to  the  soul,  this  beggars  description.  How- 
ever, let  me  say,  that  to-day  I  have  had  sweet  thoughts 
of  going  to  another  world.  Gladly,  while  alone  and 
resting  in  my  easy-chair,  would  I  have  bade  earth  fare- 
well, and  winged  my  way  to  the  paradise  of  God. 
The  Lord  said.  Nay.  I  yet  stay,  and  would  patiently 
wait  until  my  change  come.  I  find  it  easier  to  dictate 
than  to  write  with  mine  own  hand. 

"James." 

We  have  now  given  to  our  readers  the  last  letter 
which  Mr.  Taylor  was  able  to  write  with  his  own 
hand.  Nor  have  we  any  thing  dictated  by  himself  to 
his  friends,  with  the  exception  of  two  short  epistles, 
from  which  Ave  present  a  few  brief  extracts : 

♦The  ground  of  that  hope  was  doubtless  the  opinion  of  his 
physicians,  that  with  care  he  might  recover. 


412  MEMOIR   OP 

«•  Union  Theo,  Senu,  Feb.  19,  1829. 

"  Dear  brother  K. 

"  Since  my  letter,  which  was  a  week  ago,  I  have 
continued  to  fail.  My  nights  are  restless— cough  in- 
creased— external  things  losing  their  interest — faith 
gathers  strength. 

"  I  have  often  thought,  though  so  weak,  if  the  wea- 
ther Avere  suitable,  of  setting  out  for  the  north  to  spend 
ray  last  days  among  the  friends  I  love.  It  has  occur- 
red to  me  as  it  never  did  before,  that  though  grievous, 
It  gives  parents  pleasure  to  have  their  children,  when 
dying,  Avith  them.  Brothers,  and  sisters  too,  would 
rather  than  otherwise  stand  round  the  dying  bed  ol 
one  of  their  number.  I  should  love  to  add  all  the  com- 
fort in  my  power  to  those  who  have  so  often  comfort' 
ed  me. 

"  To  me  it  is  apparent  I  shall  not  survive  the 
coming  few  months ;  for,  on  the  whole,  my  case  is 
more  critical  than  it  ever  has  been  before.  The  phy- 
sicians begin  to  deal  in  may  be^s.  I  have  told  you  the 
simple  story  of  my  feelings,  that  you  may  judge  whe- 
ther it  be  best  that  I  attempt  to  come  to  you. 

"  20th. — This  day  I  have  been  more  feeble  than  yes- 
terday, and  the  thought  has  naturally  arisen,  that  this 
room  may  prove  the  place  of  my  exit  to  another  world. 
Believe  that  I  am  mercifully  and  most  kindly  handed 
along  down  the  hill  of  life,  and  I  hope  the  last  step 
will  be  to  the  glory  of  God. 

"  Unless  I  should  gain  some  strength,  this  will  be 
the  last  letter  that  I  shall  ever  dictate.  But  you  will 
hear  of  me  through  my  kind  friends,  who  are  ever  rea- 
dy to  be  my  helpers. 

''  With  increased  affection  and  love  to  you  all, 

"James." 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  413 

"  U7iion  Theo.  Sent.  March  3,  1829. 
•*  Dear  Christiau  Friend, 

"  On  my  sick,  and  probably  my  dying  bed,  I  fre- 
quently think  of  you.  Your  letter,  which  gave  me 
pleasure,  came  to  hand  in  due  time :  answering  it,  in- 
stead of  employing  my  own  hand,  I  am  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  writing  by  the  hand  of  another. 

"  For  weeks  past  I  have  been  sinking  rapidly — I  am 
now  almost  helpless  and  worn  out,  and  unless  there 
be  a  change  soon,  this  ' mud- wall'd  cottage'  will  pre- 
sently fall  to  the  ground.    I  mention  this  to  show  dear 

brother  D ,  that  if  he  ever  see  me  in  the  flesh,  it 

must  be  very  soon. 

"  One  of  my  brothers  is  on  the  way  to  me,  to  be  a 
comfort  with  my  other  friends,  in  these  days  of  de- 
cline. You  may  rejoice  with  me,  in  that  I  rejoice  in 
the  Lord  always.  The  prospect  of  changing  worlds 
is  pleasant.  The  home  of  the  Holy  is  inviting. 
"  Farewell.   With  much  love, 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 

The  last  piece  of  writing  which  Mr.  Taylor  left  in 
his  own  hand,  purports  to  be  his  will,  and  bears  date 
the  1st  March,  1829,  from  which  we  extract  the  fol- 
lowing sentence : 

"  On  my  bed  of  sickness.  Prince  Edward.  Symp- 
toms of  disease  all  tending  to  announce  my  departure. 
I  wish  to  say  now  that  I  am  peaceful.  The  prospect 
of  changing  worlds  is  pleasant." 

Among  the  numerous  letters,  expressmg  the  grati- 
tude of  those  who  had  been  blessed  through  his  la- 
35* 


414 


MEMOIR    OP 


bors,  and  the  love  and  sympathy  of  Christian  friends, 
there  is  one  from  the  late  Rev.  Matthias  Bruen,  pas- 
tor of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Bleecker-street,  New- 
York,  which  breathes  a  spirit  so  sweet,  that  the'reader 
cannot  fail  to  be  pleased  with  its  insertion. 

"  New  York,  March  24,  1829. 
''  The  picture  of  you,  my  dear  brother,  has  been  vi- 
vidly present  to  the  little  company  of  your  friends  here 
and  we  have  thought  of  ourselves  lingering  like  you 
on  the  threshold  of  eternity.  Ah  !  it  is  all  the  thresh- 
old of  eternity— and  to  believers  it  is  even  now  eter- 
nal life.  This  is  the  record,  that  God  hath  given  to  us 
eternal  life ;  and  this  life  is  in  his  Son.  He  that  be- 
lieveth  the  Son  hath  life. 

"  We  have  endeavored  to  pray  for  you.  You  have 
some  tender-hearted  friends  in  our  little  church  be- 
sides your  dear  relations,  and  are  to  them,  while  you 
breathe  here,  an  object  of  ceaseless  sympathy,  and 
while  they  breathe,  of  hope  and  love. 

"  While  I  have  been  standing  where  you  once  stood, 
to  pray  and  preach  to  my  little  charge,  your  image  has 
been  before  my  mind,  and  I  thank  God  and  take  cou- 
rage for  the  support  you  have  as  yet  had ;  for  your  ca- 
lamities are  nearly  overpast,  while  ours  are  yet  to  be- 
gin. May  the  chief  Shepherd,  who  gave  his  life  for 
yours,  fill  you  even  now  with  joy  unspeakable. 

"  In  this  season  of  calamity  to  us,  I  know  not  how 
to  write  to  you,  who  are  so  soon  perhaps  to  know  the 
certainty  of  the  things  in  which  the  Spirit  of  Christ 
has  instructed  you.  You  have  a  holy  anointing  for  all 
that  you  are  to  accomplish.  If  I  were  near  enough  I 
I  should  rather  sit  at  your  feet  and  hear,  or  only  look 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  415 

on.  I  cannot  say  a  word  to  you — rather,  dear  brother, 
I  would  ask  a  parting  prayer  for  me.  I  know  that  the 
thought  of  our  love  is  pleasant  to  you  among  earthly 
things,  if  the  bright  view  of  the  Redeemer  does  not 
bedim  all  that  is  created.  I  shall  always  cherish  the 
feeling  of  love  to  you,  knowing  that  it  will  better  pre- 
pare me  to  finish  my  work,  and  to  meet  the  Son  of 
Man,  who  hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sins.  Here 
is  our  consolation — sins  like  scarlet  and  crimson  may 
be  forgiven — even  we  may  walk  in  white  ! 

"Until  my  hope  of  your  surviving  this  severe  dis- 
pensation is  absolutely  destroyed  by  the  arrival  of  your 
great  change,  I  look  for  something  encouraging,  as 
your  days  are  prolonged ;  but  we  hope  faintly.  Into 
the  care  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ  we 
cheerfully  commit  you.  He  loves  you  more  than  we 
can.  O !  that  I  could  commit  myself  to  him  with 
like  ardor  of  confidence,  that  neither  life  nor  death 
shall  separate  from  his  love. 

"  If  you  care  to  spend  a  moment's  thought  about  any 
thing  in  the  world,  believe  that  a  few  persons  here^  as 
well  as  elsewhere,  love  you  with  a  peculiar  and  lively 
affection,  who  would  gladly  kneel  beside  your  bed  and 
endeavor  to  alleviate  your  bodily  sufferings,  and  who 
sympathize  with  the  other  bosoms  which  have  yielded 
you  such  sweet  repose  in  Virginia.  Shall  we  not  love 
even  our  Savior  more,  that  so  many  are  created 
anew  in  his  image  to  love  one  another?  May  we  live 
to  love  one  another  where  they  never  die  any  more. 

"  With  a  faithful  affection,  and  a  remembrance  of 
you  never  to  cease,  your  unworthy  brother  in  the  hope 
of  the  Gospel, 

"M  Bruen." 


416  MEMOIR   OP 

"  As  the  reader  has  already  anticipated,  Mr.  Tayloi 
gradually,  and  from  this  time  rapidly  declined,  until 
his  feeble  body  failed,  and  he  went  peacefully  to  his 
rest.  On  the  29th  of  March,  1829,  in  the  2Sth  year  of 
his  age,  at  half  past  six  o'clock,  on  the  evening  of  the 
holy  Sabbath,  he  left  the  world  in  full  assurance  of  a 
blessed  immortality.  But  we  cannot  give  a  better  ac- 
count of  the  closing  scene,  than  in  the  language  of 
those  whose  privilege  it  was  to  see  how  this  good 
man  died. 

"We  have  just  witnessed  the  departure  of  a  Chris- 
tian, of  an  eminent  Christian,  from  this  world  of  trial 
to  that  of  everlasting  rest — the  Sabbath  which  is  eter- 
nal in  the  heavens.  "^ 

"  For  a  considerable  time  during  his  sickness,  his 
debility  was  so  great  that  he  required  unremitted  at- 
tention day  and  night;  yet  they  to  whose  lot  it  fell  to 
nurse  him  in  his  last  hours,  so  far  from  being  wearied 
out  by  the  labor,  considered  it  a  privilege  to  be  near 
him.  And  their  testimony  is,  that  his  conversation 
gave  them  more  enlarged  ideas  than  they  ever  had  be- 
fore of  Christian  experience,  and  a  more  distinct  con- 
ception of  the  power  and  preciousness  of  religious  truth. 

"  From  the  time  he  came  among  us  to  the  last  mo- 
ment of  his  life,  his  faith  did  not  fail,  nor  even  falter, 
nor  did  a  cloud  intercept  his  view  of  heaven.  It  would 
require  a  volume  to  record  his  various  expressions  of 
love,  joy,  and  triumph — and  all  the  same,  whether  he 
had  hopes  of  recovery,  or  felt  that  he  soon  must  die. 
The  full  exercise  of  reason  was  granted  to  him  until 
the  last.  And  when  death  came,  although  as  fully 
sensible  of  it  as  any  who  attended  him,  yet  his  spirit 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  417 

was  as  calm  as  a  '  summer  evening,'  and  he  remarked 
that  he  '  had  endeavored  to  live  in  such  a  way,  that 
when  he  came  to  die,  he  should  have  nothing  to  do 
but  to  die.'  About  five  minutes  before  his  death  he 
said :  '  Farewell  to  you  all,  and  farewell  to  this  earth.' 
Then,  after  a  short  time,  addressing  a  beloved  friend 
who  was  supporting  him,  he  said  with  great  emphasis: 
'  Strive  !  strive  P  His  friend  asked  him,  '  Strive  to  do 
what  V  '  To  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.^  These 
were  his  last  words.  His  ruling  passion  was  strong 
in  death :  to  the  very  last  moment  he  wished  to  preach 
the  Gospel.  After  uttering  this  solemn  exhortation,  he 
drew  a  long  breath — another  and  another — and  then, 
without  a  struggle  or  a  groan,  his  breast  gradually 
sunk,  and  he  gently  fell  asleep  in  Jesus  ;  and  took  an 
upward  flight '  if  ever  soi^l  ascended.'  " 

Reader,  may  we  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and 
may  our  last  end*  be  like  his.  Do  you  reply,  Amen  ? 
Then  let  us  strive — strive  to  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  heaven;  "for  many,  I  say  unto  you,  shall  seek  to 
enter  in,  and  shall  not  be  able." 

It  may  gratify  the  reader  to  see  the  letters  which 
give  a  history  of  the  closing  scene.  To  these  shall  be 
added  extracts  from  several  communications  to  those 
who  collected  the  materials  of  which  this  little  work 
is  composed.  In  these  communications  there  is  suf- 
ficient proof  that  the  religious  public  is  indebted  for 
this  compilation,  not  so  much  to  the  partiality  of  ad- 
miring relations,  as  4o  a  just  estimate  of  Mr.  Taylor's 
christian  character,  and  to  a  desire  to  do  good,  and  to 
magnify  the  grace  of  God. 


418  MEMOIR  OP 

The  first  letter  is  from  Dr.  John  Holt  Rice  to  the 
eldest  brother  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir. 

"  Uyiion  Seminary^  March  29,  1829. 
"  Jly  beloved  Friend  and  Brother  H . 

"  It  devolves  on  me  to  perform  a  mournful  office.  \ 
have  a  brother  whom  I  educated  for  the  ministry,  and 
I  feel  towards  him  as  I  do  not  toward-s  any  other  hu- 
man being,  a  sort  of  mingling  of  parental  and  fraternal 
affection;  and  I  know  you  will  feel,  when  I  tell  you 
that  dear  James  is  gone. 

"  His  sufferings  for  some  time  past  have  been  very 
severe — not  so  much  from  pain  as  from  excessive  de- 
bility ;  this  was  so  great,  that,  as  you  may  have  seen 
from  my  former  communications,  the  wonder  was  he 
did  not  die  sooner. 

"  Apart  from  natural  feelings  of  sorrow  for  the  loss 
of  one  so  beloved,  and  grief  that  the  church  should  be 
bereaved  of  so  precious  a  young  minister,  there  is  no- 
thing in  the  case  of  your  dear  brother  but  cause  of  joy 
and  thanksgiving.  During  his  whole  sickness,  and 
amidst  all  the  changes  produced  by  disease  in  his  spi- 
rits, he  never  had  the  shadow  of  a  doubt  in  regard  to 
his  acceptance  ;  his  faith  never  failed,  nor  did  his  love 
grow  cold.  In  the  midst  of  all  his  sickness  the  adversa- 
ry was  most  mercifully  restrained,  and  he  enjoyed 
the  presence  of  his  redeeming  Lord.  His  .nffectionate 
heart,  too,  retained  all  its  kindness,  and  he  enjoyed  to 
the  last  the  sympathetic  attentions  of  those  who  mi- 
nistered to  his  wants.  Dear  man  !  he  won  our  love 
most  entirely. 

"  He  was  graciously  permitted  to  exercise  his  rea- 
son to  the  very  last,  and  showed  what  was  the  beat 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  419 

tf  his  mind  by  his  dying  speech :  Strive  !  strive  !  to 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

"  How  mysterious  this  event!  Since  it  has  appeared 
to  me  inevitable  that  one  so  prepared  for  the  minis- 
try, and  so  desirous  to  be  useful  as  our  dear  brother 
was,  should  die,  the  thought  has  often  occurred  to  me 
that  there  are  services  for  very  holy  and  devoted 
men  in  a  higher  spliere,  to  which  they  are  called,  and 
where  they  do  incomparably  more  for  the  glory  of  the 
divine  Redeemer,  and  are  more  useful  than  they  could 
possibly  be  on  earth:  and  while  we  are  wondering 
that  they  should  be  cut  off,  and  disappoint  all  our  hopes 
of  their  usefulness,  they  probably  do  more  in  a  day,  in 
heaven,  than  they  could  do  in  a  lifetime  in  this  world. 
The  Master  had  use  for  our  brother  above,  and  called 
for  him.  We  would  have  kept  him  here.  I  confess  I 
never  have  seen  a  young  man  whom  I  so  much  wished 
should  live. 

"  But  why  should  he  come  here,  far  from  home,  to 
die?  On  his  passage  to  heaven,  God  sent  him  by  this 
place,  that  it  might  be  seen  here  v/hat  a  young  minis- 
ter ought  to  be,  and  how  a  Christian  can  suffer  and 
die.  And  perhaps  you  have  thus  been  permitted  to  do 
more  for  us  than  could  be  done  with  money. 

"  Dear  brother  !  I  sympathize  with  you  and  your  af- 
flicted relations.  May  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  Avith 
your  spirit. 

"  Most  affectionately  yours,        John  H.  Rice." 

The  following  letter  is  from  Mrs.  Rice  to  Mr.  Tay* 
lor's  mother : 

"  Union  Thco.  Sem.  April  3,  1829. 
**  If  I  can  in  the  least  degree  alleviate  the  sorrow  of 


420  MEMOIR  OP 

the  dear  mother  of  my  beloved  friend,  most  gladly  Will 
I  do  it ;'  and  your  afflicted  son,*  who  does  us  the  fa 
vor  of  remaining  awhile  with  us,  thinks  a  letter  from 
me  would  be  some  comfort  to  you.  If  mingling  my 
heart  with  yours,  and  feeling  all  a  mother's  bereave 
ment  could  lessen  the  weight  of  your  grief,  then  would 
it  indeed  be  lightened. 

"  I  regret  exceedingly  that  I  did  not  every  day  set 
down  all  that  was  interesting  in  relation  to  my  dear 
happy  sufferer.  But  much,  I  trust,  is  engraved  on 
my  memory  and  on  my  heart,  never  to  be  forgotten  or 
neglected^  I  have  indeed  been  most  highly  privileged, 
and  am  sincerely  thankful  to  our  Heavenly  Father  for 
sending  to  my  care  so  precious  a  child  of  his.  He 
seemed  from  the  first  to  come  as  a  blessing  to  me,  and 
to  raise  my  idea  of  holy  living  and  of  Christian  enjoy- 
ments. He  ever  seemed  happy,  joyful,  triumphant, 
until  disease  wore  down  his  animal  spirits.  But  his 
faith,  hope,  peace,  never  for  a  moment  failed,  but  con* 
tinned  perfect  to  the  last.  I  inquired  shortly  before  he 
left  us,  the  state  of  his  mind,  when  he  replied  :  '  Per- 
feci  peace  ;  but  too  weak  to  think  or  talk.'  When  he 
found  he  must  die  from  you,  he  wept  much,  and  griev- 
ed at  the  thought  of  your  sorrcrw.  'Dear  father!  dear 
mother  1  what  would  I  not  do  to  comfort  you,'  he 
would  often  say  ;  'but  my  Heavenly  Father  is  plea- 
sed to  have  it  so,  and  I  love  to  please  him.'  He  did 
mdeed  delight  more  in  the  love  of  God,  and  in  doing 
his  will,  than  any  one  I  have  ever  seen.  He  spoke  of 
his  removal  as  if  going  on  a  foreign  mission.  He 
loved  to  serve  his  Lord  wherever  he  appointed  him, 
and  hoped  to  be  engaged  in  the  delightful  work  fot 

*  A  brother  of  the  deceased,  who  was  with  liiru  v>-hen  he  died. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  42J 

ever.  He  often  spoke  of  rest  for  his  poor  body  ;  but 
his  happy  spirit  longed  to  serve  and  please  his  Hea- 
venly Father  perfectly.  He  often  spoke  of  seeing  you 
all  soon,  and  of  welcoming  you  to  a  better  world^ 
never  more  to  part.  He  is  not,  my  dear  madam,  lost 
even  to  us :  if  we  live  as  he  did,  we  shall  again  enjoy 
sweetintercourse  with  him.  His  words,  ^  My  friend 
for  eternity,^  have  made  a  deep  impression  upon  my 
heart.  O  !  that  bis  mantle  may  rest  on  me  and  on 
this  seminary. 

"  My  grandmother  lost  a  daughter  in  the  state  of 
Kentucky.  To  some  it  was  matter  of  surprise  that 
she  bore  the  bereavement  so  calmly  and  cheerfully. 
She  remarked,  'Heaven  is  not  as  far  from  me  as  Ken- 
tucky. I  shall  soon  join  her.  She  had  much  to  suf- 
fer in  this  world  ;  now  she  is  perfectly  happy ;  and 
why  should  I  grieve  V 

"  IVly  grandmother  never  expected  to  see  her  child 
again  had  she  lived,  but  you  and  your  dear  son  did  ex- 
pect to  meet  again  on  earth,  and  he  enjoyed  much  the 
thought  of  introducing  us  to  each  other.  But  his  joys 
are  now  far  above  mortal  conception.  O  had  we  but 
a  glimpse  of  his  glory,  we  should  adore  and  praise 
the  Lord,  and  not  repine.  He  did  not  finish  his 
course  among  strangers,  though  far  from  home.  Many 
saw,  admired,  and  loved  him,  and  to  me  he  was  in- 
expressibly dear — I  may  say  is,  for  I  know  he  still 
exists,  glorious  and  happy.  You  are  the  blessed  mo- 
ther of  a  son  safe  in  heaven.  We  rejoice  that  on  his 
way  there  he  called  at  the  Seminary,  and  gave  a  new 
impulse  to  holiness  of  life  among  us.  He  had  a  tedi- 
ous, exhausting  time  of  suffering,  and  I  felt,  for  weeks? 
as  if  going  through  the  dark  valley  with  him.     Buf 

3g  J.  B.  Taybr. 


422  MEMOIR   OF 

the  light  of  God's  countenance  ever  shone  to  guide 
and  sustain  him.  Such  a  lovely  spirit  is  rarely  known 
on  earth  ;  and  now  he  is  gone  to  a  more  genial  clime. 
He  who  never  errs  has  ordered  all. 

"Yours,  very  affectionately,  A.  S.  R." 

Of  the  letters  received  by  Mr.  Taylor's  relations^ 
while  collecting  the  materials  for  this  memoir,  we  in- 
sert the  following  from  the  Rev.  Frederic  W.  Hotch- 
kiss : 

"  Sayhroolc,  May  8,  1S29. 
«  Dear  Sir, 

"  Yours  of  the  24th  ultimo,  enclosing  a  letter  from 
Dr.  Rice,  on  the  death  of  your  brother,  my  very  dear 
friend  in  Christ,  is  now  before  me,  moving  on  the 
deep  feelings  of  my  heart,  and  awakening  some  of  the 
tenderest  recollections  of  my  life.  I  had  seen  the  obi- 
tuary notice,  and  the  just  and  very  appropriate  remarks 
on  his  Christian  character  and  peaceful  departure; 
and  after  a  short  indulgence  to  the  affectionate  re- 
membrance, while  dwelling  on  the  dear  name,  we  re- 
sorted to  his  letters  to  hold  converse  with  that  sainted 
spirit,  'who  being  dead  yet  speaketh.'  These  letters 
will,  according  to  your  request,  be  transmitted  by  the 
first  friendly  conveyance  we  can  find.  You  will  per- 
ceive they  are  a  little  sullied  by  the  hands  of  many 
readers,  but  they  will  not  be  the  less  appreciated  be- 
cause much  used  and  often  read. 

"  Our  first  interview  with  your  brother  was  in  my 
house,  presenting  me  a  letter  of  introduction  from  a 
reverend  friend  in  the  vicinity.  There  is  a  feature,  a 
voice,  a  language,  in  a  deep  feeling  Christian,  which 
we  sometimes  think  is  too  evident  to  be  mistaken. 


JAMES   BRAIN ERD   TAYLOR.  423 

There  was  a  religious  sympathy  then  pervading  our 
hearts,  which  was  ardently  reciprocated  on  his  part. 
We  felt  as  if  we  had  found  a  dear  christian  brother, 
and  our  hearts  burned  within  us,  and  we  never  for  a 
moment  in  our  future  acquaintance  had  reason  to 
think  or  feel  differently.  It  was  a  season  of  deep 
feeling  among  my  people,  and  in  my  family  too,  when 
our  intercourse  commenced  ;  and  in  a  very  short  time 
he  seemed  as  a  son  and  a  brother  in  the  best  bonds  ; 
and  thus  we  ever  esteemed  him.  Frequently  he  visit- 
ed us,  and  always  he  labored,  and  prayed,  and  exhort- 
ed among  my  people  while  with  us,  and  will  never 
be  forgotten  as  one  all  devoted  to  the  cause  of  lifting 
up  souls  to  heaven.  To  how  many  he  may  have  been 
a  sweet  savor  of  life  I  know  not ;  but  I  do  believe  his 
heavenly  example,  ardent  prayers,  and  impressive 
conversation,  were  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  some 
very  near  to  me  ;  and  who  will  one  day,  I  believe, 
meet  him  in  heaven,  and  hail  him  as  Christ's  chosen 
instrument  of  their  eternal  good. 

"  To  spend  and  to  be  spent  in  the  service  of  Christ 
and  for  the  salvation  of  souls  was  his  all  in  all.  Of- 
ten would  he  say,   'None  but  Christ:  all  for  Christ.' 

"He  died  as  he  lived,  in  the  triumphs  of  that  faith 
which  could  say,  '  Lord,  when,  where,  and  how  thou 
wilt.'  '  Thy  holy  will,  and  thy  whole  will  be  done.' 
We  lose  the  benefit  of  his  life,  but  let  us  not  lose  the 
benefit  of  his  death.  His  name  is  embalmed  in  the 
memory  of  many  surviving  friends ;  and  while  the  re- 
membrance is  precious,  may  we  learn  to  be  followers 
of  him  who  through  faith  and  patience  inherits  the 
promises. 


424  MEMOIR   OP 

"With  sympathy  and  reciprocated  prayers,  yont 
friend  and  servant, 

"  Frederic  W.  Hotchkiss." 

Another  minister  of  Christ,  in  forwarding  some  let- 
ters which  he  had  received  from  Mr.  Taylor,  said  :  "I 
am  rejoiced  that  you  think  of  collecting  his  remains. 
It  must  do  good — it  cannot  be  otherwise."  A  third 
writes  :  "I  am  much  pleased  that  a  Memoir  of  James 
is  to  be  written.  I  think  it  will  be  instrumental  of 
great  good.  I  never  was  acquainted  with  one  of  whose 
piety  I  had  a  more  exalted  opinion."  A  fourth  says : 
"  Your  excellent  brother  came  to  my  house  when  there 
was  a  powerful  religious  excitement  among  my  peo- 
ple, and  spent  two  weeks  in  animating  professed 
Christians  to  greater  efforts,  and  more  humble  and 
fervent  prayer  that  they  might  grow  in  grace,  and 
make  greater  attainments  in  the  knowledge  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  in  laboring  for  the  conversion 
of  sinners.  I  have  no  doubt  he  will  find  some  among 
my  people  who  will  be  his  joy  and  crown  of  rejoicing 
throughout  eternity  :  and  I  am  happy  in  the  belief  that 
some  of  my  church  will  wear  a  brighter  crown  of 
glory  than  they  would  have  done,  if  your  brother  had 
never  come  among  them.  I  will  only  add,  that  we  all 
loved  and  esteemed  him  as  a  faithful  brother  in  Christ." 

Another  pious  and  devoted  friend,  who  was  long 
and  intimately  acquainted  with  the  departed  saint, 
wrote :  "  I  would  beg  leave  to  observe,  that  I  think 
the  lives  of  but  few,  if  faithfully  recorded,  are  calcu- 
lated, on  the  whole,  to  do  much  good  to  the  religious 
world;  though  they  may  have  some  valuable  traits, 
and   it  may   be   very  gratifying   to   their   surviving 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  425 

friends,  yet  the  multiplication  of  such  works  has  a  ten- 
dency to  weaken  the  force  of  those  that  are  truly  ex- 
cellent. I  would  not  therefore  encourage  the  publica  • 
tion  of  the  memoirs  of  any  departed  friend,  unless  hig 
life  had  been  very  uncommon  and  calculated  to  ele- 
vate the  standard  of  piety  and  usefulness.  That  of 
our  dear  departed  friend,  I  think,  was  exactly  of 
this  kindP 

We  do  not  desire  to  multiply  these  testimonies  to  a 
wearisome  length,  and  shall  therefore  conclude  with 
short  extracts  from  three  others,  from  the  most  respect- 
able sources.  The  first  is  a  letter  from  a  man  who 
had  enjoyed  Mr.  Taylor's  society  often,  and  his  friend- 
ship for  several  years,  and  had  as  ample  opportu- 
nity to  know  him  thoroughly  as  most  of  those  who 
have  given  their  testimony  concerning  him : 

"  It  will  give  my  wife  and  myself  sincere  pleasure 
to  contribute,  in  any  way  we  can,  towards  the  intend- 
ed Memoir,  to  render  it  as  full  and  interesting  as  it 
should  be. 

"  To  place  his  character  before  the  reader  in  all  its 
variety  of  excellence,  we  think,  will  be  no  easy  mat- 
ter. To  have  any  thing  like  a  just  impression  of  him 
as  he  really  was  in  life,  would  require  that  intimate 
knowledge  of  him  which  we  were  privileged  to  enjoy. 
We  can  say  that  we  never  met  with  such  sweetness 
of  disposition,  such  a  noble  contempt  of  earthly  things, 
such  heavenly-mindedness,  such  entire  devotion  of 
the  whole  being  to  his  God  and  Savior,  such  earnest 
desire  to  promote  his  Master's  cause,  in  bringing  all 
within  the  sphere  of  his  influence  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  truth ;  and,  united  with  all  this,  a  form  and 
36* 


426  MEMOIR   OF 

manners  of  such  peculiar  loveliness  and  grace,  and  a 
beauty  and  consistency  of  character,  such  as,  to  our 
mind,  made  him  a  more  perfect  model  than  we*  had 
ever  known. 

"  We  believe  there  are  those  here,  as  well  as  in 
every  place  where  he  sojourned  on  earth,  that  feel  they 
are  under  obligations  to  him  which  can  never  cease 
to  bind  them." 

The  second  is  from  a  clergyman,  in  which  we  find 
this  passage :  "  James  B.  Taylor  labored  with  me  five 
or  six  weeks,  during  a  revival  in  T ,  in  which  be- 
tween twenty  and  thirty  souls  were  hopefully  convert- 
ed. During  that  time  I  was  led  to  observe  the  man- 
ner and  spirit  of  his  conversation  with  young  people 
on  religious  subjects.  How  winning  and  affectionate  ! 
He  could  speak  of  the  fearful  looking  for  of  judgment 
and  fiery  indignation,  without  creating  any  antipathy 
to  himself.  Sinners  were  won  by  his  sweet  voice 
and  christian  courtesy  whilst  they  trembled  for  their 
souls  and  felt  the  necessity  of  repentance.  His  words 
were  all  for  his  divine  Master.  I  never  knew  him 
trifle :  he  allowed  himself  indeed  no  relaxation  whilst 
here.  He  labored  till  he  was  obliged,  through  fatigue 
and  weakness,  to  desist ;  and  then  his  only  wish  was 
to  recruit,  that  he  might  renew  his  efforts  in  the  ser- 
vice of  his  Redeemer.  Could  ministers  be  found  as 
unremitting  and  ardent  as  he  was,  few,  where  the  Gos- 
pel is  preached,  would  be  left  without  convictions  at 
least,  if  not  hopefully  converted,  through  such  instru- 
mentality." 

The  last  is  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Miller,  of  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary  at  Princeton.  "I  do  hope,"  says 
Dr.  M.  "  that  the  Memorial  of  this  beloved  and  ex- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  427 

celient  youth  which  you  propose  to  have  erected,  will 
be  long  a  useful  monument  for  candidates  for  the  holy 
ministry.  If  his  heavenly  spirit  should  be  held  forth 
as  it  ought  to  be,  it  cannot  fail  to  benefit  the  sons  of 
the  church,  who  are  looking  forward  to  that  sacred 
office. 

"  I  have  a  growing  conviction  that  we  need  nothing 
in  our  rising  ministry  more  than  deep  scriptural  spiri- 
tuality. If  we  had  larger  measures  of  that  ardent 
thirst  for  the  eternal  welfare  of  our  fellow-men,  a 
more  inextinguishable  desire  to  win  souls  to  Christ, 
such  as  our  devoted  brother  had,  it  would  be  a  pledge 
of  brighter  days  for  our  American  Zion." 


CONCLUSION. 

In  bringing  to  a  close  this  work,  valuable  to  the 
compiler  at  least,  it  may  be  useful  briefly  to  survey 
the  character  of  Mr.  Taylor  in  the  relations  which 
he  sustained,  and  in  the  several  situations  in  which  he 
was  placed  by  the  providence  of  God,  that  the  force 
of  his  example  may  be  concentrated,  and  its  impres- 
sions received  by  those  who  may  sustain  the  like  re- 
lations and  be  in  pursuit  of  the  same  objects. 

1.  Then  let  him  be  contemplated  as  a  Christian  , 
and  in  this  contemplation  let  it  be  recollected,  that 
very  early  after  his  conversion  he  adopted  the  resolu- 
tion to  become  an  uncommon  Christian. 

This  resolution,  deliberately  formed,  and  with  full 
persuasion  of  its  practicability,  seems  to  have  been 
acted  on  with  remarkable  consistency  and  persever- 


428  MEMOIR   OP 

ance   and  with  that  decision  of  character,  without 
which  nothing  of  moment  can  ever  be  accomplished. 
And  in  order  to  its  fulfillment,  he  betook  himself  to  the 
Bible    with  the  docility  of  a  little  child,  and  with 
strong  confidence  in  the  faithfulness  of  God.     Believ- 
ing that  "the  life  of  God  in  the  soul  of  man"  has  its 
infancy  and  its  growth  to  maturity  j  and  that  what- 
ever attainments  may  have  been  made,  the  promises  of 
God  and  the  fullness  of  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus 
warrant  the  expectation  of  still  higher  attainments, — 
Mr.  Taylor,  with  the  most  commendable  diligence, 
used  the  means  by  which  alone  such  expectations  can 
be  realized.     With  constancy  he  searched  the  Scrip- 
tures— not  for  subjects  of  speculation — not  as  a  mere 
intellectual  exercise — but  with  a  strong  desire  to  as- 
certain what  affections  ought  to  be  cherished,  and 
what  duties  performed.     In  the  Bible,  as  in  a  mirror, 
he  looked  at  himself  j  and  in  the  light  of  the  Bible  he 
contemplated  every  object  that  claimed  his  attention 
or  solicited  his  affections.     He  was  indeed  a  Bible 
Christian.     Perhaps  no  one  ever  more  implicitly  sub- 
jected his  v/hole  being  to  the  inspired  word. 

Regarding  the  promises  as  sure,  he  desired  and 
sought  with  irrepressible  ardor  those  divine  communi- 
cations which  the  Lord  Jesus  vouchsafes  to  his  fol- 
lowers in  measures  proportioned  to  the  strength  of 
their  faith,  the  fervor  of  their  prayers,  and  their  faith- 
fulness in  duty.  He  believed  it  to  be  the  privilege  of 
the  saints  to  live  in  the  light  of  the  divine  counte- 
nance. And  whenever,  through  inadvertence,  or  the 
rising  of  sinful  thoughts,  or  the  movement  of  irregu- 
lar desires,  or  the  neglect  of  duty,  a  cloud  came  over 
his  soul,  he  ceased  not  to  humble  himself,  to  mourn 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  42S 

iu  secret  places,  to  wrestle,  and  even  agonize  in 
prayer,  until  the  joy  of  God's  salvation  was  restored 
and  the  comforts  of  the  Holy  Ghost  were  again  afford- 
ed. And  when  in  uninterrupted  communion  with 
God,  he  did  not,  as  is  to(j  often  the  case,  rest  satisfied, 
but  his  neart  still  panted  for  more  grace,  more  light, 
and  faith,  and  love — more  of  every  thing  that  might 
elevate  his  piety  and  increase  his  moral  power.  Nor 
did  Mr.  Taylor's  religion  expend  itself  in  the  raptures 
of  devotion  or  in  the  delights  of  heavenly  contempla- 
tion. Its  sweet  savor  was  manifested  in  all  the  rela- 
tions he  sustained. 

Perhaps  few  persons  have  ever  discovered  more  of 
filial  piety  or  fraternal  love.  And  while  these  aff'ec- 
tions  flowed  out  in  all  his  correspondence,  and  in  all 
his  intercourse  with  his  family,  and  in  all  respects 
were  tempered  and  sweetened  by  his  religion,  yet,  ve- 
neration for  his  parents  and  respect  for  the  senior  mem- 
bers of  the  household  never  for  a  moment  restrained 
him  from  urging  upon  them  the  paramount  claims  of 
his  Master,  but  always  in  a  manner  most  earnest,  ten- 
der, and  respectful. 

Nor  did  he  content  himself  with  efforts  to  augment 
the  piety  of  those  to  whom  he  was  bound  by  the  ties 
of  nature.  In  all  his  intercourse  with  the  saints,  and 
in  his  voluminous  correspondence  with  Christian 
friends,  his  constant  aim  was,  either  by  testifying  of 
the  grace  of  God  to  himself,  or  by  direct  exhortations 
to  stimulate  them  also  to  become  uncommon  Chris- 
tians. "  Set  your  standard  high,"  was  his  frequent 
c'narge — "  There  remains  yet  very  much  land  to  be 
possessed." 

The  abiding  conviction  upon  Mr,  Taylor's  mind, 


430  MEMOIR   OF  ' 

(and  certainly  it  accorded  with  truth,)  was,  that 
Christians  generally  live  far  below  their  privileges. 
And  to  this  cause  he  attributed  much  of  their  ineffi- 
ciency in  promoting  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom. 

It  is  indeed  a  lamentation,  and  shall  be  for  a  lamen- 
tation, that  the  church  is  paralyzed  for  the  want  of 
that  vigor  of  life,  which  is  within  the  reach  of  all  in 
whom  the  principle  of  vitality  has  been  implanted  by 
the  Holy  Ghost.  This  evil  Mr.  Taylor  saw  and  felt ; 
and  while  he  resolved  that,  by  the  grace  of  God,  it 
should  not  exist  in  his  own  case,  against  it  he  talked 
and  wrote,  prayed  and  lived  ;  and  not  without  some 
encouraging  success. 

His  Christian  character  was  a  beautiful  whole — not 
indeed  absolutely  perfect — to  this  he  made  no  preten- 
tions— yet  as  near  the  fair  proportions  in  which  it  is 
drawn  in  the  word  of  God  as  can  almost  ever  be 
found  in  this  imperfect  state.  And  in  this  respect  his 
example  is  most  worthy  of  imitation. 

It  is  indeed  melancholy  to  observe  how  frequently 
the  fair  form  of  Christianity  appears  in  an  aspect  so 
forbidding  as  rather  to  repel  than  allure  the  multitude, 
who  have  no  knoAvledge  of  her  but  what  they  derive 
,  from  the  spirit,  conversation,  and  conduct  of  her  pro- 
fessed friends.  As  exhibited  by  some,  she  appears  in 
the  form  of  a  cold  and  heartless  orthodoxy,  with  a 
head  filled  Avith  notions  which  have  no  influence  in 
refining  the  aff"ections  or  regulating  the  practice.  In 
others,  with  an  eye  of  fire  and  a  tongue  sharpened 
with  bitter  words,  ready  to  denounce  all  who  are  not 
actuated  by  the  same  burning  zeal — a  zeal  unmitiga- 
ted by  the  meekness  of  heavenly  wisdom.     In  others 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  431 

Rgain,  she  appears  all  deformed  with  passion — all 
ecstasy  in  the  religious  assembly — all  tenderness  in 
the  hour  of  excitement — but  in  the  world,  morose, 
sensorious,  proud,  selfish,  and  dogmatical. 

Such  was  not  the  religion  of  James  B.  Taylor. 
His  faith  worked  by  love,  purified  the  heart,  and 
overcame  the  world.  His  was  the  wisdom  that  comes 
from  above — first  pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  and 
easy  to  be  entreated ;  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits, 
without  partiality  and  without  hypocrisy  ;  and  ever 
brought  forth  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit — love,  joy,  peace, 
long-suffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  fidelity,  meek- 
ness, temperance. 

But  there  were  some  traits  in  this  lovely  character 
which  ought  to  be  noticed  with  more  distinctness, 
not  only  because  of  their  beauty,  but  because  there  is 
a  deplorable  deficiency  in  most  of  those  who  bear  the 
name  of  Christ,  and  in  some  measure  possess  the 
mind  that  was  in  him.  These  were  spirituality  and 
humility :  the  latter  resulting,  as  it  always  does  in 
man  sanctified  but  in  part,  from  the  former.  "His 
spirituality,"  says  Dr.  M.,  in  a  letter  from  which  an 
extract  has  been  already  made,  "  was  so  uniform,  that 
we  had  only,  as  it  were,  one  face,  and  that  of  intense 
brightness,  to  behold."  Spirituality  is  the  habit  of  a 
soul  illuminated  by  the  truth,  and  sanctified,  throug-h 
that  truth,  by  the  Spirit  of  God.  Such  an  one  employs 
his  thoughts  and  exercises  his  affections  with  facility 
and  with  lively  interest  on  spiritual  objects.  He  sets 
the  Lord  always  before  him,  apprehends  the  law  of 
God  in  its  cognizance  of  the  inner  man,  and  feels  and 
acts  under  a  sense  of  its  obligations.  Jesus  Christ  is 
present  by  the  Spirit  with  his  heart,  is  seen   in  hia 


432  MEMOIR   OP 

beauty,  is  submitted  to  in  his  authority,  and  is  aTofltf 
trusted  for  salvation,  and  loved  as  "  the  chiefest  among 
ten  thousand." 

No  one  can  read  the  letters  and  journal  of  James  B. 
Taylor,  and  not  perceive  that  spiritual  things  were 
the  very  element  of  his  soul ; — of  them  he  thought, 
and  wrote,  and  talked  ;  and,  in  all  situations,  he  acted 
in  reference  to  them  and  under  their  influence. 

One  effect  of  this  gracious  habit  of  mind  was  hu- 
mility, without  which  there  can  be  no  genuine  religion. 
Jesus  Christ  was  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  and  no  one 
can  have  learned  of  him  without  imbibing  some 
measure  of  this  excellent  grace.  Without  it  there  may 
be  ardor  in  religion;  and  then  will  be  seen,  acted  out. 
if  not  heard,  the  cry,  "  Come,  see  my  zeal  for  the  Lord 
of  hosts."  And  in  this  day  of  excitement,  when  eve- 
ry thing  must  be  done  with  strong  feeling  and  vigor- 
ous action,  it  is  painful  to  observe  how  much,  that 
commends  itself  to  the  spirit  of  the  age.  is  either  sadly 
deficient,  or  wholly  destitute  of  the  brightest  glory  of 
the  religion  of  a  sinner  saved  by  grace. 

He  is  an  humble  man  who  forms  a  just  estimate  of 
his  own  character,  as  he  weighs  himself  in  the  ba- 
lance of  the  sanctuary,  and  feels  aright  the  force  of 
his  own  judgment  of  himself.  He  compares  himself, 
not  with  those  around  him,  whom  he  may  think  or  see 
to  be  less  perfect  than  himself,  but  with  the  law  of  God, 
and  with  the  holy  example  of  Jesus,  which  is  the 
law  practically  exhibited  for  the  imitation  of  his  fol- 
lowersr 

That  James  B.  Taylor  was  distinguished  by  his  hu- 
mility cannot  be  questioned.  Living  as  he  did,  every 
day,  in  the  presence  of  God,  realized  and  felt  j  and^ 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  433 

looking  at  himself  habitually,  in  the  light  of  God's 
truth  and  holiness,  he  saw,  as  in  a  polished  mirror,  the 
defects  in  his  own  character,  and  took  cheerfully  his 
place  in  the  dust.  At  those  seasons  when  he  enjoyed 
most  of  the  divine  presence,  and  the  brightest  mani- 
festations of  the  glory  of  God,  we  always  find  him 
taking  the  lowest  place,  and  like  Job,  saying,  "  I  have 
heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear  5  but  now  mine 
eye  seeth  thee :  wherefore  I  abhor  myself,  and  re- 
pent in  dust  and  ashes."  But  not  only  did  his  humility 
show  itself  in  his  communion  with  God,  but  in  his 
intercourse  with  men.  He  was  ever  ready  to  render 
honor  to  whom  honor  is  due,  so  that  when  those  of 
age  and  experience  would  interpose  to  temper  his  ar- 
dor and  to  regulate  his  course,  he  would  respectfully 
and  meekly  hear,  and  seriously  consider ;  and  if  their 
counsel  commended  itself  to  his  understanding  and 
his  conscience,  he  would  cheerfully  yield,  and  that  too, 
when  compliance  was  tasked  with  the  most  painful 
self-denial :  and  if,  in  the  impetuosity  of  his  feelings, 
he  had  taken  his  course,  he  would,  on  conviction  of 
his  mistake,  promptly  retrace  his  steps  with  ingenuous 
confession  of  his  error.  Nor  did  he,  as  far  as  appears, 
ever  treat  any  one  with  that  contempt  or  even  disre- 
spect which  is  the  offspring  of  pride.  His  sense  of 
propriety  and  his  humility  seemed  ever  to  restrain  him 
from  rudely  denouncing  those  whose  zeal  and  devoted- 
ness  were  apparently  less  than  his  own. 

Very  nearly  allied  to  humility  is  gentleness  j  a  Chris- 
tian grace,  an  ornament,  which  gives  softness  and 
loveliness  to  all  the  rest.  In  this  our  dear  Christian 
brother  so  excelled,  that  none  feared  him,  none  were 
repelled  from  him,  and  he  found  easy  access  to  the 

37  J.  B.  Taylor. 


434  MEMOIR   OP 

hearts  even  of  those  who  would  otherwise  avoid  his 
company  from  hatred  to  his  holiness. 

The  attentive  reader  has  doubtless  already  observed 
that  the  great  means  by  which  Mr.  Taylor  made  such 
distinguished  attainments  in  piety,  were  the  Bible,  as 
noticed  before,  and  the  throne  of  grace.  He  was  re- 
markably a  man  of  prayer.  In  secret  devotions  he 
had  his  consecrated  place  and  his  fixed  time  ;  nor 
would  he  allow  any  thing  to  interfere  with  this  arrange- 
ment. And  as  he  did  himself,  so  he  exhorted  others  to 
do:  "  Have  a  fixed  place  and  time  for  devotion." 

2.  Let  us  contemplate  this  eminent  saint  in  his 
coNnucT  AS  A  STDDENT  J  and  in  this,  perhaps,  as  much  as 
in  any  other  respect,  he  has  left  an  instructive  example. 

Too  often  the  complaint  has  been  made — and  often- 
er  the  efiect  has  been  seen  and  lamented — that  an  aca- 
demical collegiate  life  has  damped  the  ardor  of  piety, 
or  greatly  diminished  its  power.  Indeed  the  impres- 
sion has  been  deep  and  disastrous,  that  this  is  the 
necessary  effect  of  a  course  of  study  in  our  public 
literary  institutions.  Such  have  been  the  facts,  as  to 
create  a  prejudice  in  many  pious  minds  against  a  col- 
lege education.  The  incorrectness  of  this  impression, 
capable,  a  priori,  of  being  proved,  has  been  practically 
demonstrated  by  the  Christian  student  whose  course 
we  are  reviewing. 

Mr.  Taylor,  aware  of  the  existence  and  of  the  bad 
eff'ects  of  this  notion,  entered  upon  his  course  of  studies 
with  his  resolution  fixed  and  his  rules  adopted;  by  a 
strict  adherence  to  which  he  was  effectually  secured 
against  the  influence  of  that  esprit  du  corps,  and  those 
unholy  associations,  which  have  so  often  and  so  sadly 
impaired  the  strength  of  piety  in  those  who  had  gone 
before  him. 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  435 

Upon  entering  college,  he  resolved  to  perform  his 
duties  in  the  following  order: 

1.  Take  care  of  the  soul. 

2.  Take  care  of  the  body. 

3.  Take  care  of  his  studies. 

By  observing  this  order — giving  to  reading  the  Bible 
and  prayer  a  due  portion  of  time,  and  alvsrays  seeking 
until  he  enjoyed  communion  with  heaven,  he  ever  kept 
alive  the  flame  of  love  ;  so  that,  at  the  close  of  his  col- 
legiate course  of  studies,  he  said  to  a  friend,  "I  have, 
while  in  college,  enjoyed  much  of  the  presence  of  God. 
The  years  I  have  spent  in  Nassau  Hall  will  long  be 
remembered  as  sweet  seasons  of  communion  with  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  of  special  manifestations  of  the  love 
of  God." 

And  as  to  the  second  rule,  his  conduct  was  wise 
and  exemplary.  Too  often,  young  men,  ardent  in  their 
thirst  for  knowledge,  or  in  haste  to  get  into  the  field 
of  action,  or  oppressed  with  the  languor  consequent 
upon  mental  labor  and  sedentary  life,  so  neglect  that 
regular  exercise  which  is  essential  to  health,  that  they 
come  out  unfit  for  service,  or  go  down  to  an  early 
grave. 

On  this  interesting  topic  it  is  obvious  to  remark,  that 
man  is  a  compound  being — that  he  is  made  up  of  an 
animal,  intellectual,  and  moral  nature,  neither  of  which 
can  be  neglected  with  impunity.  In  all  these  respects 
food  and  exercise  must  be  supplied  regularly,  and  in 
proper  kind  and  measure,  or  a  weak  and  sickly  habit 
will  be  induced,  destructive  both  of  happiness  and 
usefulness. 

With  this  natural  constitution,  and  the  sure  con- 
sequences of  neglecting  it  full  in  view,  is  it  not  utter- 


436  MEMOIR    OP 

ly  astonishing  that  in  so  few  of  our  literary  institutions 
provision  is  made  for  that  physical  education  so  essen- 
tial to  the  wel]  being  of  the  animal  nature  ?  And  is 
it  not  more  surprising  still,  that  men  professing  to  be 
philosophers  should  endeavor  to  exclude  from  our 
schools  that  moral  training — that  religious  culture^ 
without  which  no  man  will  ever  act  well  his  part  in 
those  relations  for  which  education  is  designed  to  pre- 
pare him  ? 

It  is  true,  that,  in  the  inscrutable  providence  of  God 
Mr.  Taylor's  health  began  to  fail  just  after  the  com- 
pletion of  his  college  education,  so  that  he  was  not 
permitted  to  enjoy  the  high  satisfaction  which  he  so 
ardently  desired  in  preaching  the  Gospel.  But  still  it 
is  worthy  to  be  remembered,  that  to  the  end  of  the 
course  he  enjoyed  good  health.  Nor  did  his  studies 
suffer  at  all  by  a  rigid  adherence  to  his  rules. 

3.  But  as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  his  conduct, 
though  not  pretended  to  be  perfect,  is  above  all  praise. 

For  religion's  sake  ;  for  the  sake  of  the  holy  name  by 
which  he  was  called;  for  the  joy  of  the  Lord  which 
was  his  strength ;  he  sought  for  and  made  great  attain- 
ments in  the  divine  life  :  but  never  did  he  seem  to  lose 
sight  of  the  influence  which  his  piety  would  have  upon 
his  ministerial  character  and  usefulness.  To  be  very 
"holy  and  wise  "  was  the  burden  of  his  prayers.  Holy 
and  wise,  that  he  might  win  souls  to  Jesus  Christ,  in 
all  his  ways  please  the  Lord,  and  be  fully  prepared  for 
the  purity  and  blessedness  of  heaven. 

No  one  could  more  fully  recognize  the  dependence  of 
man  upon  the  grace  of  God  thaL  did  Mr.  Taylor.  In  his 
prayers,  letters,  diary,  and  conversation,  he  acknow- 
ledged the  necessity  of  the  Spirit's  influences.     He 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  437 

not  only  believed,  but  gloried  in  the  doctrine  of  divine 
sovereignty ;  yet  he  never  once  entertained  the  perni- 
cious notion  that  these  truths  could  either  excuse  inac- 
tivity, or  lessen  responsibility,  or  diminish  the  impor- 
tance of  employing  means  adapted  to  the  end  to  be 
accomplished  in  the  Gospel  economy.  God  has  indeed 
most  wisely  fited  the  means  to  the  end,  both  in  the 
kingdom  of  nature  and  that  of  grace,  leaving  in  both 
ample  scope  for  the  exercise  of  all  the  skill  and  dili- 
gence that  man  can  use  to  bring  to  pass  his  benevo- 
lent and  gracious  purposes. 

Under  the  cherished  impression  of  this  divine  ar- 
rangement, Mr.  Taylor  seemed  constantly  to  live — 
and,  with  the  conviction  that  holiness  in  the  ministry 
afforded  the  best  ground  of  hope,  under  God,  of  suc- 
cess, he  with  all  earnestness,  and  perseverance,  and 
self-denial,  sought  to  become,  and  did  become,  emi- 
nently holy.  Would  to  God  that  all  who  bear  the 
sacred  office  were  like-minded — that  all  who  aspire  to 
this  office  could  be  persuaded  to  walk  as  James  B. 
Taylor  walked,  with  God. 

Next  to  personal  holiness,  Mr.  Taylor  desired  to  be 
"  mighty  in  the  Scriptures"  not  only  that  he  might  be 
sanctified  through  the  truth,  but  that  he  might  draw 
thence  things  new  and  old,  giving  to  every  one  a  por- 
tion suited  to  his  condition.  "O  to  be  mighty  in  the 
Scriptures,"  was  his  frequent  petition  at  the  throne  of 
grace.  And  to  this  end  he  submitted  himself  to  the 
usual  course  of  mental  discipline.  He  desired  not  lite- 
rary fame,  nor  the  honor  that  comes  from  men.  It 
was  the  Bible  he  was  to  expound — its  doctrines  he 
was  to  preach — its  precepts  to  inculcate — the  whole 
counsel  of  God,  as  therein  revealed,  he  was  to  de- 
37* 


438  MEMOIR  OP 

dare.  And  therefore,  to  a  right  understanding  of  the 
Bible  he  resolutely  determined  to  devote  all  his  attain- 
ments. And  although,  in  the  ardor  of  his  zeal  lo 
enter  upon  the  great  work  for  which  he  longed  so  ear- 
nestly, he  wavered  for  a  little  season,  as  to  the  neces- 
sity of  all  that  culture  which  in  most  cases  is  wisely 
required  ;  yet,  having  corrected  this  error  of  judgment, 
no  man  more  deeply  felt  the  importance  of  full  "pre- 
paration." For  this  he  both  labored  industriously  and 
prayed  most  earnestly. 

In  addition  to  Mr.  Taylor's  persevering  and  suc- 
cessful efforts  to  increase  in  piety  and  in  knowledge 
of  the  word  of  God,  he  deserves  to  be  remembered  and 
imitated  in  his  intercourse  with  his  fellow-men.  Al- 
ways affable  and  obliging — noted  for  a  deportment, 
the  result  of  enlarged  and  active  benevolence  ;  exceed- 
ingly social  in  his  feelings,  and  polite  and  graceful  in 
his  manners  ;  yet  he  conscientiously  avoided  an  intima- 
cy with  those  whose  society  neither  promised  benefit, 
nor  afforded  opportunities  of  usefulness  ;  but  with  the 
saints,  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  was  his  delight ;  and 
the  more  spiritual  any  one  appeared  to  be,  the  more  did 
he  seek  and  enjoy  communion  with  him.  And  here 
it  mattered  nothing  with  Mr,  Taylor  what  was  the 
condition  or  the  color  of  the  saint.  In  every  one  who 
showed  the  heart  of  a  true  disciple  he  recognized  a  bro- 
ther or  sister,  and  rejoiced  to  be  an  instrument  in  minis- 
tering to  the  edification  and  consolation  of  all  those 
who  loved  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity.  To  this 
end  he  visited  the  sick — conversed  with  professors — 
wrote  letters — held  meetings  for  exhortation  and  pray- 
er, and  used  all  the  means  he  could  employ  to  build 
up  the  kingdom  of  Christ  in  the  hearts  of  his  subjects. 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  439 

And  while  Mr.  Taylor  thus  labored  and  prayed  to 
promote  growth  in  grace  in  the  church,  the  burden  of 
his  prayers  and  labors  was  for  the  conversion  oj 
souls.  He  had  consecrated  himself  to  the  service  of 
the  Lord,  the  glory  of  his  name,  and  the  advance- 
ment of  his  cause.  And  not  only  in  his  intercourse 
and  correspondence  with  his  fellow-men  did  he  endea- 
vor to  strengthen  the  interests  of  piety  in  those  who 
were  under  its  influence,  but  by  all  means,  if  possible, 
to  gain  some  from  the  ranks  of  the  enemy.  Actuated 
by  this  zeal  for  the  divine  glory,  and  compassion  for 
perishing  sinners,  he  sought  and  seized  every  opportu- 
nity to  beseech  men,  in  Christ's  stead,  to  be  recon- 
ciled to  God.  This  he  did  in  his  private  intercourse — 
in  the  family  circle ;  and,  with  the  sanction  of  pastors 
and  other  ministers,  in  many  churches,  and  with  un- 
common acceptance  and  success.  So  that  while  pursu- 
ing his  studies,  he  was  made  the  instrument  of  bring- 
ing, perhaps,  more  persons  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
truth,  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  than  others  have  done  in  the  min- 
istrations of  many  years.  During  his  sickness  many 
letters  came  to  him,  expressive  of  the  most  devoted 
attachment,  and  reminding  him  of  the  blessing  which 
had,  in  several  places,  attended  his  labors  of  love. 
His  object  was  not  wealth  nor  fame,  but  souls — souls; 
his  constant  cry  was,  "Give  me  souls!" 

There  is  one  further  particular  which,  it  has  occur- 
red to  us,  may  be  introduced  with  some  advantage  to 
students  of  theology.  Many  of  Mr.  Taylor's  correspon- 
dents were  young  females — and  in  his  labors  he  must 
often  have  come  in  contact  with  persons  of  this  de- 
scription calculated  to  awaken  tender  emotions;  yet  in 
all  his  letters,  and  in  all  his  diary,  there  is  no  evidence 


440  MEMOIR  OF 

that  he  ever  approached  that  entangling,  and  often  em- 
barrassing alliance,  which  so  often  impedes  the  pro- 
gress of  students,  and  too  frequently  presses  as  an  in- 
cubus upon  all  their  after-life  and  labors. 

On  the  contrary,  we  find  in  his  diary  a  passage 
already  quoted,  which  shall  here  be  cited  again :  "  Not 
knowing  what  the  Lord  has  for  me  to  do,  I  am  kept 
from  what,  perhaps,  would  be  as  pleasant  to  me  as  to 
another;  and  at  which  some  have  been  led  to  wonder. 
Some  may  think  me  stoically  indifferent  to  the  con- 
nubial state :  but  this  restrains  me  from  taking  any 
steps  in  that  matter — I  fear  to  act  'prematurely.  When 
it  is  clearly  one's  duty  to  seek  such  a  connection,  will 
not  a  prudent  wife  come  from  the  Lord  ?  I  wish 
that  ministers  would  see  well  to  it,  that  they  obtain  in 
their  companions  an  increase  of  power  to  help  on  with 
their  work." 

The  importance  of  the  marriage  relation,  as  a  source 
of  happiness  or  misery,  is  perfectly  obvious.  Bui  this 
matter,  as  it  bears  upon  the  character  and  usefulness  of 
a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  is  beyond  all  computation. 
None  who  has  not  had  experience,  or  made  observa- 
tion on  this  subject,  can  tell  how  much  a  minister's 
standing  may  be  afiected,  how  much  his  work  may  be 
promoted  or  hindered,  by  the  character  and  deportment 
of  his  wife. 

How  inconsiderate!  how  unwise  the  conduct  of 
many  young  men,  and  young  ministers  perhaps  yet 
pursuing  their  preparatory  studies,  who  hav'e  no  home 
nor  field  of  labor — often  no  patrimony ;  who  "  know 
not  what  the  Lord  has  for  them  to  do  ;"  who  have  not 
finished  their  theological  course.  Let  those  who 
aspire  to  this  high  calling  learn  wisdom  from  the  folly 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  441 

of  many  of  their  brethren  who  have  gone  before  them, 
and  "  fear  to  act  prematurely.''^ 

We  close  by  quoting  from  the  obituary  notice  pub- 
lished soon  after  his  decease, — what,  in  substance,  has 
been  said  before : 

"  Mr.  Taylor  was  a  young  man  admirably  fitted  to 
be  useful  in  the  ministry.  To  a  tine  person,  a  pleasant 
countenance,  expressive  of  the  benevolence  of  his  soul, 
a  sweet,  yet  powerful  voice,  and  a  cultivated  mind, 
he  added  piety,  humility,  zeal,  and  devotedness  to  his 
profession,  such  as  are  rarely  ever  observed  united  in 
one  individual. 

"  How  mysterious  !  that  in  the  present  urgent  wants 
of  the  church,  one  so  gifted  and  qualified  should  be 
cut  down  just  after  he  became  ready  to  enter  the  pul- 
pit. But  perhaps  he  was  called  for  to  perform  higher 
services  for  his  Master  in  the  church  triumphant  than 
can  be  rendered  by  mortal  man  in  this  militant  state. 
And  we  shall  see  hereafter,  that  all  things  in  regard 
to  him  were  ordered  well  by  that  Lord  and  Savior 
to  whom  he  had  consecrated  himself  in  soul,  body 
and  spirit,  for  time  and  eternity."     Amen. 


THE   END. 


